Federico Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus in August 2024 for £12.5 million on a contract running through 2028 [1, 2]. Over two seasons, he has made 50 appearances and scored five goals in all competitions [1].
Last season, Chiesa appeared 36 times but started only five Premier League games under former manager Arne Slot [3, 4]. Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League, securing Champions League qualification but not meeting title defense expectations. The underwhelming campaign led to Slot’s dismissal at the end of the season [2].
Andoni Iraola took over as Liverpool manager in June 2026 [1, 3, 4, 2]. Chiesa scored in Liverpool’s 4-2 preseason win over Sunderland in Nashville on July 23, showing early signs of adapting to Iraola’s style [1, 3, 4, 2].
Chiesa said, "Right now, at the moment, 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 - and then we will see." He added, "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" [1, 3].
Reflecting on last season, Chiesa acknowledged his desire for more playing time but respected the coach’s decisions: "Last year I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not. 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" [4].
Chiesa described Iraola’s coaching as emphasizing "high intensity, one versus one all over the pitch," adding, "that’s what we wanted to show today. Of course it is hard, it is preseason" [2].
He emphasized the fresh start with Iraola saying, "This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that" [1].
Chiesa’s next major opportunities to prove himself will come as Liverpool prepares for the 2026-27 Premier League season under Iraola’s leadership.
