Chiesa eyes fresh start under Iraola

Federico Chiesa said that the arrival of new Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola would mark a fresh start after he spent much of last season on the sidelines under Arne Slot, as ​the Italy forward insisted his focus remained on Liverpool despite reports of ‌interest from Italian clubs.

Chiesa, who scored in Liverpool's 4-2 pre-season win over Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday, made 36 appearances in all competitions last season but started only five matches as he struggled ​to establish himself in Slot's plans.

The 28-year-old was linked with a return to ​Serie A after last season, but said that his priority was to ⁠work with Iraola, who succeeded Slot in June, and earn more opportunities at Anfield.

"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," Chiesa told reporters.

"Last season under Arne Slot, I was trying to do my best. ​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. This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to ​focus on that."

Chiesa, who ​joined Liverpool in ⁠2024 and is under contract until 2028, indicated in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport in June that he could consider ​his options if he was unable to secure regular playing ​time.

However, the ⁠Italy international said that he remained committed to Liverpool and was concentrating on his performances under Iraola.

"Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, ⁠the ​fans, everything," he said.

"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."