Federico Chiesa has outlined his determination to play his way into Arne Slot’s Champions League plans and to repay Liverpool fans for their unwavering support during a difficult debut season at Anfield.
The Italy international impressed in his first start of the season on Tuesday with two assists in the 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round win against Southampton. He has also made an impact in four substitute appearances in the Premier League this season and says he feels “better physically and mentally” compared with his first campaign as a Liverpool player.
Chiesa started only one Premier League game last season and recently was the most high-profile omission from the 22-man squad for the league phase of the Champions League. He could yet be called up by Slot, with Giovanni Leoni expected to be sidelined for several months with a knee injury sustained against Will Still’s side. Liverpool are awaiting confirmation that Leoni has torn an anterior cruciate ligament but, under new Uefa rules, a player who is out for 60 days or more can be replaced on the Champions League squad list. That would open the door to Chiesa, who is focused on forcing his way into Slot’s plans through his own performances.
“I can play more in this competition, but I want to show the manager I can play more in the Premier League,” the £12.5m signing from Juventus said. “The coach gave me chances in the first four games and I think I showed I can help the team. I’m not in the Champions League squad, but I am focused on the Carabao Cup.
“He told me what he was thinking, why he chose to do what he did. I was sorry I am not part of the Champions League squad, as to play in it is every player’s dream. I just said to the coach: ‘OK – no problem. I will keep working hard and I will get my chances in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.’ I am a professional player, I play for Liverpool and to do that is amazing.”
Despite a bit-part role in Liverpool’s title-winning season, Chiesa has been embraced by the Kop. “Since last year I had been feeling I needed to give them something back,” the 27‑year‑old said.
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“These first few appearances this year I have given them something, but I want to keep on doing it. The support they have given me is fantastic. I like the chant. There is nothing wrong with it. But I have to give them more. The support is just amazing.”
