Chiesa reaffirms commitment to Liverpool under new coach Iraola

Federico Chiesa has declared his commitment to Liverpool, aiming to secure a regular first-team place under new manager Andoni Iraola. The Italian forward expressed his contentment with life at the Merseyside club, stating, "Right now I am happy at Liverpool. I love this club, the supporters, everything. I will do my best to get the chance to play here. For now, the only thing I think about is Liverpool."

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Right now I am happy at Liverpool. I love this club, the supporters, everything. I will do my best to get the chance to play here. For now, the only thing I think about is Liverpool.

Chiesa sees Iraola's arrival as a fresh start, emphasizing the opportunity to prove his capabilities. "This is a new chapter. We have a new coach and I have to focus on that. Last season I also felt ready to play a bigger role, but the decision remains with the coach. He has his own game plan and I respect that decision," he said. While specific discussions about his role for the 2026/27 season are yet to occur, current communication with Iraola centers on tactical approaches and the desired playing system. Chiesa highlighted his positional flexibility, noting, "Today he played me as a center forward. Throughout my career, I have played more as a winger, but I am also happy if I am trusted as a striker."

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This is a new chapter. We have a new coach and I have to focus on that. Last season I also felt ready to play a bigger role, but the decision remains with the coach. He has his own game plan and I respect that decision.

Describing Iraola's philosophy, Chiesa mentioned the coach's emphasis on high-intensity play and one-on-one duels across the pitch, a style already being implemented in training. The player, who joined Liverpool for £12.5 million in August 2024, is optimistic about adapting and contributing to the team's resurgence after a season where he frequently appeared as a substitute. He also harbors ambitions of returning to the Italian national team, believing Liverpool deserves better than their fifth-place finish in the Premier League last season. "Liverpool deserves better results. Two seasons ago we were Premier League champions. Last season we almost failed to qualify for the Champions League and finished fifth. This season we have to perform better, including in the Champions League. I am convinced we have the squad to do it," Chiesa asserted.

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Today he played me as a center forward. Throughout my career, I have played more as a winger, but I am also happy if I am trusted as a striker.