Chiesa breaks silence on Liverpool future after ‘positive’ performance | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa insists he wants to stay at Liverpool, especially after playing 90 minutes in a Champions League game against PSV last night: ‘I needed it.’

The Italy international started in a 3-2 loss in the Netherlands last night. The result didn’t prevent the Reds from finishing at the top of the Champions League table.

The former Juventus and Fiorentina star earned a spot kick for the Reds in the first half and provided the assist for Harvey Elliott.

“Yeah, I have to thank the coach and the staff for giving me the possibility to play the 90 minutes tonight. For me it was great because I needed it,” Chiesa said after the game via Liverpool’s official website.

“I needed it for everything, and since I joined Liverpool, I wanted to prove myself, and I couldn’t for many reasons, and tonight, getting 90 minutes after a big while, it was great. So, I have to thank the coach.

Chiesa breaks silence on Liverpool future after ‘positive’ performance

Federico Chiesa of Liverpool passes the ball under pressure from Mateus Fernandes of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium on December 18, 2024 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

“I mean, there is room for improvement. There is room to get better and better and be at the best of my game but we have a great team and it’s hard to play,” the Italian continued.

“But that’s normal because I want to be here, I want to play for Liverpool, I want to challenge myself and I will be ready for my next opportunity. Again, I want to thank the coach for tonight.”

Liverpool coach Arne Slot was delighted that Chiesa could play the full 90 minutes against PSV and praised the Italian during a post-match press conference.

“Yeah. And he got a knock with the penalty so that took him a few minutes before he got going again,” said the Liverpool boss.

“But I think it’s been seven, eight or nine months ago – maybe even longer, I don’t know exactly – since he played 90. It’s the same for Jayden Danns, it was the same for James McConnell. So, we had quite a lot of players that were not used to playing so many minutes in the last six or seven months. So it’s especially for them also important that they make these 90 minutes and were able to keep competing during 90 minutes. OK, Jayden couldn’t manage to play the whole game, but Federico in the end was still sprinting, trying to do his work. So, positive.”

Chiesa joined Liverpool on a permanent transfer from Juventus last summer, but struggled with injuries in the first part of the season.

The 27-year-old has one goal and two assists in nine appearances across all competitions this season.