Chiesa confirms Liverpool future stance and reveals new role under Iraola

Liverpool star Federico Chiesa says that he isn't thinking about a transfer and has revealed that new manager Andoni Iraola wants him to play as a striker. Chiesa, 28, has only started two Premier League games since his £10million move from Juventus in 2024 and has frequently been linked with a move away.

The forward wasn't trusted by former boss Arne Slot, who was sacked in May following a disappointing season, and wants to put a marker down in pre-season under Iraola. Chiesa got off to a good start by scoring in Liverpool's 4-2 victory over Sunderland in Nashville, and he helped set up another.

Post-match, the Italian made it clear that wants to make a success of his career with Liverpool after a frustrating first couple of years, adding that he's set to play centrally under Iraola rather than on the wing. "Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool," Chiesa affirmed.

"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. At the minute, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool. I don't know, it is difficult to say [if this is a fresh start].

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"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. 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 decided to do so, he had his game plans, 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. He put me striker today and he wants me there. The only conversations I've had [with Iraola] were about pressing and tactics."

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Chiesa feels a responsibility to make amends for Liverpool's 'lucky' fifth-place finish last season, as the Reds narrowly qualified for the Champions League on the final day. "Liverpool deserves more," the 28-year-old declared.

"Two years ago, we were Premier League champions. Last year, we almost went out of the Champions League spots. We were battling for fifth, which was enough at the time but as we know usually only four go in. We were lucky."