Federico Chiesa has emphatically dismissed transfer speculation by reaffirming his commitment to Liverpool, declaring that winning back his place under new head coach Andoni Iraola is his sole focus. The Italian winger made his position crystal clear following a 4-2 friendly victory over Sunderland on Saturday, brushing aside Serie A exit rumours that have circulated during a difficult spell on Merseyside.
"Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool," Chiesa told reporters. "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." The 27-year-old arrived from Juventus for £12.5 million in August 2024 but managed only nine competitive starts during Arne Slot's tenure, prompting questions about his future.
Tactical Flexibility and Fresh Start
Iraola's arrival represents a genuine opportunity for Chiesa to reinvigorate his English career. Rather than dwelling on the past, the winger has embraced the tactical direction emerging in pre-season training. Against Sunderland, he operated as a central striker—a departure from his traditional flank role—as Liverpool implemented a high-intensity pressing system that demands relentless one-versus-one battles across the pitch.
"The only conversations I've had with the coach have been about pressing and tactics," Chiesa explained. "He put me striker today. I have played my whole career as a winger but I am happy to play striker as well. We have been training two weeks now with a new coach and we have seen what he wants. He wants high intensity, one versus one all over the pitch."
Championship-Winning Ambitions
Chiesa is determined to help Liverpool reverse a disappointing campaign. The club scraped fourth-place qualification for the Champions League by finishing fifth in the Premier League, a stark contrast to their title-winning form two seasons prior. With the squad's depth and quality intact, the Italian international believes domestic and European silverware remain achievable targets.
"Liverpool deserves more," Chiesa insisted. "Two seasons ago we were Premier League champions. Last season we almost went out of the Champions League spots. We were battling for fifth, which was enough at the time but as we know usually only four clubs go in. We were lucky. It was a tough season and this season we need to do better in the Champions League as well. I think we've got the squad to do that."
Beyond club ambitions, Chiesa is focused on regaining peak physical condition to earn a recall to the Italy national team. The pre-season weeks ahead will prove crucial as he adapts to Iraola's demanding tactical framework and proves his fitness credentials. If Chiesa can maintain consistency and avoid injury setbacks, he could become an influential presence across Liverpool's assault on multiple competitions this season.
