Federico Chiesa Admits Liverpool Were Fortunate to Reach Champions League and Eyes Fresh Start Under Andoni Iraola

Federico Chiesa has openly conceded that Liverpool were fortunate to secure a place in next season’s Champions League following a disappointing campaign, while describing the arrival of Andoni Iraola as the beginning of a new chapter after two largely frustrating years spent on the fringes of the first team. The Italian forward, once tipped as a future world-beater after helping his country lift the European Championship in 2021, joined the Reds for £10 million from Juventus two years ago but has struggled to establish himself as a regular.

Many observers expected Chiesa to depart this summer, and that possibility remains if Liverpool strengthen their forward line. Movement is anticipated this week on their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, a development that could further limit opportunities for the Italian. Yet Chiesa himself has struck a measured and positive tone when discussing his situation. After scoring in Liverpool’s 4-2 victory over Sunderland during a pre-season friendly in Nashville, he made clear that his focus remains firmly on life at Anfield for the time being.

“Right now, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything. I am doing the best I can to have a chance here,” Chiesa said. “And then we will see. At the minute, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool.” He acknowledged the cyclical nature of fresh starts in football, noting that there may have been too many already in his short time at the club, but insisted he is determined to impress the new manager. Last season under Arne Slot he had also tried to give his best, even if the opportunities were limited.

Chiesa reflected candidly on his role during the previous campaign. He felt ready for a bigger contribution, yet accepted that the final decision rested with the coach and the tactical plans in place. “Of course I wanted to play more but it is what it is. 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. This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that.” Those comments underline a pragmatic acceptance of the hierarchy that exists in elite squads while leaving the door open for improved involvement under Iraola.

Statistics from last season illustrate the challenge Chiesa faced. He made 26 Premier League appearances, yet only one of those came as a starter, and ongoing fitness concerns continued to restrict his availability. In a notable decision, he turned down a call-up to the Italy squad under Gennaro Gattuso, choosing instead to prioritise his club situation. He has since indicated a desire to return to the international fold once the new national team set-up is established and his club form allows it.

Looking back on the campaign that ultimately cost Slot his job, Chiesa did not sugar-coat the team’s performance. “Liverpool deserves more. Two years ago, we were Premier League champions. Last year, 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 go in. We were lucky. It was a tough season last year and this season we need to do better, in the Champions League as well.” The admission that the side had been fortunate to finish high enough for European qualification reflects a broader sense of underachievement after the title-winning high of the previous season.

While Chiesa concentrates on carving out a more prominent role, Liverpool are also dealing with defensive concerns ahead of the new campaign. Joe Gomez was forced off during the friendly against Sunderland in Tennessee, leaving the club sweating on his fitness at a time when options at the back are already limited. The injury scare adds another layer of uncertainty as the squad prepares for the demands of domestic and European competition under a new head coach.

Chiesa’s comments arrive at a transitional moment for the club. The appointment of Iraola has brought a change in style and expectations, and several players find themselves needing to adapt or risk being moved on. For the Italian, the coming weeks will be critical. A strong pre-season showing and early-season form could yet secure him the greater involvement he seeks. Conversely, the potential arrival of additional attacking talent would increase the competition for places and could force difficult decisions.

The forward’s willingness to speak openly about both his personal frustrations and the team’s collective shortcomings offers a rare glimpse into the dressing-room perspective after a season that fell short of expectations. Supporters who once viewed Chiesa as an exciting addition following his move from Juventus will be watching closely to see whether the new chapter he describes translates into consistent minutes and meaningful contributions. For now, the message from the player is one of commitment to the cause and acceptance of the circumstances that have limited him so far.

As Liverpool continue their pre-season programme and finalise any remaining transfer business, Chiesa’s future remains tied to performances on the pitch and the decisions taken by the hierarchy. His scoring contribution against Sunderland provided a timely reminder of the quality that first attracted the club two years ago. Whether that quality can be harnessed more regularly under Iraola will be one of the more intriguing subplots of the new season. The Italian has made clear he is ready to embrace the challenge. The coming months will determine if the fresh start he seeks finally materialises.