Federico Chiesa scored a fine finish as Liverpool beat Sunderland 4-2 in Nashville on Saturday, but it was his words after the match that carried more weight. The 28-year-old forward, who has started only one Premier League game in two seasons at Anfield, declared: "This year, let us say it is a new chapter."
The new chapter comes under Andoni Iraola, appointed in June after Arne Slot's dismissal. Chiesa had a frustrating time under Slot, making 36 appearances last season but only five starts. His last start came in the FA Cup fourth-round win against Brighton on 14 February. The Italian, who joined from Juventus for £12.5m in 2024 and is contracted until 2028, has been linked with a return to Serie A, with Como and his former club Juventus reportedly interested.
“Federico Chiesa wants a new start under Andoni Iraola at Liverpool after scoring in a pre-season friendly.”
But after the friendly, Chiesa was emphatic about his commitment. "Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool," he said. "I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything. I am doing the best I can to have a chance here. And then we will see. At the minute, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool."
He revealed that Iraola has deployed him as a striker, a change from his usual wide role. "He put me striker today and he wants me there. The only conversations I've had [with Iraola] were about pressing and tactics."
Chiesa admitted he felt ready for a bigger role last season but said it was "the coach's decision" to play him less. He also claimed Liverpool were "lucky" to qualify for the Champions League after finishing fifth, adding: "Liverpool deserves more."
The forward has scored five goals in 50 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool. He has two years left on his contract and said he wants to prove himself to the new manager rather than seek a move. "Maybe there have been too many fresh starts," he said. "But I don't care, I am trying to do my best for this new manager."
How Iraola uses him in the coming weeks will determine whether this new chapter becomes a long-term story at Anfield or a prelude to an exit.