Federico Chiesa has reaffirmed his desire to stay at Liverpool as he aims to secure a bigger role under new head coach Andoni Iraola this season.
The Italy international has been linked with a return to Serie A after making just nine starts in all competitions during Arne Slot’s two-year spell in charge.
However, Federico Chiesa is not seeking a move and instead sees Iraola’s arrival as an opportunity for a fresh start at Anfield.
“Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool,” he told reporters after scoring the third goal in Saturday’s 4-2 friendly win over Sunderland in Nashville.
“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.
“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. Last year I also felt ready to play a bigger role, but then it depended on whether the coach wanted me to play or not.
“The gaffer had his game plans, he took his decisions, I have nothing to say about that. This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that.”
The 28-year-old forward, who joined Liverpool from Juventus in a £12.5 million deal in August 2024, is yet to hold talks with Iraola about his role and where he fits into the manager’s plans for the upcoming season.
“The only conversations I’ve had with the coach have been about pressing and tactics,” he adds. “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, that’s what we wanted to show today.”
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