Federico Chiesa has opened up about the frustration of his stop-start Liverpool career but insists, with conviction, that “this season is different.”
The forward revealed how his disappointment at playing a bit-part role since joining from Juventus — only featuring 14 times in all competitions last campaign — and the pain at missing out on this season’s Champions League squad, has given him the fuel to fight back despite increased competition.
Chiesa is behind the likes of Hugo Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Mo Salah in the pecking order but says he’s determined to prove his worth and contribute more often this season.
In Tuesday’s 2-1 Carabao Cup victory over Southampton, the 27-year-old provided the assists for both goals and was named man-of-the-match in what his best performance in a Liverpool shirt.
“I feel much better in terms of physical ability and I have played more this year than last year combined, so I’m happy and I have to continue on this path,” he said after the game.
“It was really difficult (not playing last season) but I don’t think I was at the level the coach wanted me to play. I understood his choices. This year, it is different. I feel better physically and mentally. The coach has seen this and given me more opportunities.”
Head coach Arne Slot has turned to Chiesa as a late substitute in four of the first five Premier League games, but did not include him in the squad for the 2-1 win over Everton last weekend.
The Italian was also the only senior player not to make the 22-man Champions League squad as 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha was chosen instead.
Asked how he was delivered the news, Chiesa said: “He told me what he was thinking and why he chose to do what he did.
“Of course I was sorry that 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 ‘okay — 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.”
The fight that he showed at Anfield last night was appreciated by both the supporters and Slot, who name-checked him after the game as the “hardest worker”.
Chiesa says the backing from the stands — and hearing his name chanted every matchday — has been a constant source of inspiration.
“I hear the song the supporters sing for me since last year and I’ve been feeling that. I like the chant!” he said.
“I needed to give them something back. I’m glad that I have made some contributions in the Premier League. If you play for Liverpool, you have to be able to make a difference, but I want to keep on doing it.
“I play for a top club, maybe one of the top three in the world. It’s Liverpool and the competition is high.
“If I don’t want competition, I go to another team. But I want the competition, I want to play here and I think, at the end of the day, competition helps you to become a better player.”
With Hugo Ekitike suspended for the trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday following his sending off last night, Chiesa may get another chance to feature.
(Photo: Jan Kruger/Getty Images)