Federico Chiesa has been a neighbor in Liverpool since moving in 2024, but the Italian forward is beginning to show some of the quality he has in the Carabao Cup
Last year Federico Chiesa’s travel to Liverpool is marked by a broad smile, but there was more reason to Tuesday evening. Since joining from Juventus in late August last year with a deal worth up to £12 million, life in Liverpool has not exactly matched the brochure.
His debut season was undermined by fitness issues and struggles that adapt to the unique strength of Premier League football. As a result, the Italian made one start in Brighton in early May after the title had already been secured.
This season, he roughly coincided with six total Premier League appearances since last season, and has made four appearances from the bench. This includes a dramatic 88-minute intervention against Bournemouth on the opening night in mid-August.
However, if Chiesa has a long-term future at Anfield, the Carabao Cup will likely be his lifeline. Due to a shortage of homemade players, he was removed from the first 23 Champions League team. In other words, Arne Slot had to choose teenager Rio ngumoha over his more experienced colleagues.
At the age of 27, he also needs to impress his coach before him with the pecking order, Liverpool Echo reports.
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And in the FA Cup, which is not on the calendar until January, the forward has few options other than seizing the opportunity presented to him in the League Cup with both hands.
Alexander Isaac and Hugo Ekitique provided assists in a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Tuesday night.
“We can play more in this competition, but we want to show our managers who can play more in the Premier League,” says Chiesa.
“The coach gave us the opportunity in the first four games. I think I demonstrated that I can contribute to the team. I’m not on a Champions League team, but I’m focusing on the Carabao Cup.”
The opportunity to participate in the European Cup may still be on his path after the injury to his young compatriot Giovanni Leoni, who had grown late after his impressive debut. But for now, Chiesa aims to make his mark when domestic opportunities arise.
“I felt much better in terms of physical ability. I think I played more this year than I totaled last year,” he shares. “I am satisfied and need to continue this trajectory.
“It was really challenging (being at the fringe), but I don’t think it was at the level that the coach wanted me to play. But I understood his decision. That’s not the case this year. I felt better physically and mentally. The coach recognized this and gave me more opportunities.
“We’re pleased to have made some contributions in the Premier League. That’s what Liverpool expects from every player that plays for them. That’s what the coaches want. Every other player wants.
“If you’re playing for Liverpool, you have to be able to make a difference. I’m very happy for now and I have to continue working hard to get more opportunities in the future.”
Chiesa has recently become the center of a fierce debate among the loyal people of the Reds.
The catchy Italian terrace anthem set in Dean Martin’s upset is one of the most originals for many years, but it has led to a fierce debate online about whether his goal for Bournemouth is “f *** off off off off off of aa kopite.”
It is unlikely that the man himself is completely immersed in the historical nuances of his supporters’ arguments, but he prefers to see the song as ok and watch it with sincerity.
He explains:
“The support they gave me in every match is amazing. I like chanting! There’s nothing wrong with that. But I have to give them more. The support is amazing.”
For Chiesa to maintain his contribution, he must now stand up to the opportunity without Ekitike. Ekitike is facing Saturday’s clash at Crystal Palace following a red card with Southampton for removing Southampton while already booking. The multipurpose forward sees a trip to Selhurst Park as another opportunity to demonstrate slot capabilities.
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He states: “I play for top clubs. This could be one of the top three in the world. It’s Liverpool. Of course they buy top players. Of course, the competition is high. If you don’t want to compete, I’ll go to another team.
“But I want to compete. I want to play here, but at the end of the day, I think competition will help you become a better player.”
Depending on the severity of Leoni’s injury, Chiesa may be recalled to a Champions League team. He revealed how he responded to news from the slots, saying:
“Of course I was disappointed that I’m not part of the Champions League team, so playing with it is a dream for every player. I just told my coach.
“I’m a professional player and I play for Liverpool, which is great.”
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