Federico Chiesa, forward for Liverpool, has acknowledged that the club was fortunate to qualify for the Champions League for the upcoming season. He described the previous campaign as dismal and views the new season as an opportunity for a fresh start after two years largely spent as a substitute.
Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus for £10 million two years ago, has struggled to make a significant impact since winning the European Championship with Italy in 2021. His future at the club was uncertain, with speculation about a potential transfer, particularly if Liverpool secured a new forward like Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.
However, Chiesa expressed his current commitment to Liverpool. "Right now, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything," he stated. "I am doing the best I can to have a chance here."
He indicated that while he has felt ready for a larger role in the past, he respects the manager's decisions. "Last year I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not," Chiesa said. "The gaffer decided to do so, he had his game plans, he took his decisions, I have nothing to say about that. It is football."
Chiesa emphasized his focus on the upcoming season under new management. "This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that," he added. He also mentioned that he turned down an Italy call-up from Gennaro Gattuso previously but is eager to return to international duty.
Reflecting on the past season, Chiesa suggested that Liverpool were lucky to secure a top-five finish, noting the team's struggle for Champions League qualification. "We were battling for fifth, which was enough at the time but as we know usually only four go in. We were lucky," he explained. "It was a tough season last year and this season we need to do better, in the Champions League as well."
Liverpool is also facing concerns over the fitness of defender Joe Gomez, who was substituted during a friendly match against Sunderland in Nashville. The team is already short on defensive options ahead of the new season.