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Chiesa Eyes Fresh Start Under Iraola, Says Focus Remains on Liverpool
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Sports

Chiesa Eyes Fresh Start Under Iraola, Says Focus Remains on Liverpool

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Federico Chiesa aims for a fresh start at Liverpool under new manager Andoni Iraola.
  • Chiesa struggled for consistent playing time last season under Arne Slot.
  • He remains focused on his future at Liverpool despite transfer rumors.

Federico Chiesa is looking to revitalize his Liverpool career under new manager Andoni Iraola, emphasizing a "fresh start" after a challenging previous season. The Italian forward spent much of last season on the sidelines, starting only five matches despite making 36 appearances across all competitions under former manager Arne Slot.

It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year. Maybe there have been too many fresh starts. But I don't care, I am trying to do my best for this new manager.

— Federico ChiesaSpeaking about the arrival of new manager Andoni Iraola and the upcoming season.

Chiesa, who scored in Liverpool's recent pre-season victory over Sunderland, acknowledged his desire for more playing time last year. "Last season under Arne Slot, I was trying to do my best. Last year I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not," he told reporters, according to Reuters. "Of course I wanted to play more but it is what it is. The gaffer had his gameplans, he took his decisions, I have nothing to say about that. It is football."

Last season under Arne Slot, I was trying to do my best. Last year I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not.

— Federico ChiesaReflecting on his playing time under the previous manager.

Despite reports linking him with a return to Serie A, the 28-year-old insists his priority is to impress Iraola, who took over in June. "This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that," Chiesa stated. He expressed happiness with his current situation at the club, stating, "Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, the fans, everything."

This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that.

— Federico ChiesaExpressing his commitment to the new season under Iraola.

Chiesa joined Liverpool in 2024 and is contracted until 2028. While he previously indicated in June that he might consider his options if regular playing time remained elusive, his current focus is on performing well for Liverpool under the new management. "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 concluded.

Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, the fans, everything.

— Federico ChiesaAffirming his contentment with Liverpool.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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