{"id":40820,"date":"2026-07-27T20:27:08","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T18:27:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/?post_type=news&p=40820"},"modified":"2026-07-27T20:27:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T18:27:08","slug":"chiesa-views-iraola-arrival-at-liverpool-as-a-new-chapter","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.channelafrica.co.za\/channelafrica\/news\/chiesa-views-iraola-arrival-at-liverpool-as-a-new-chapter\/","title":{"rendered":"Chiesa views Iraola arrival at Liverpool as a new chapter"},"content":{"rendered":"
Federico Chiesa said 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.<\/div>\n
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Chiesa, who scored in Liverpool\u2019s 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\u2019s plans.<\/div>\n
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The 28-year-old was linked with a return to Serie A after last season, but said his priority was to work with Iraola, who succeeded Slot in June, and earn more opportunities at Anfield.<\/div>\n
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\u201cIt is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year. Maybe there have been too many fresh starts. But I don\u2019t care, I am trying to do my best for this new manager,\u201d Chiesa told reporters.<\/div>\n
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\u201cLast 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.<\/div>\n
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\u201cOf course I wanted to play more, but it is what it is. The gaffer 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.\u201d<\/div>\n
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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.<\/div>\n
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However, the Italy international said he remained committed to Liverpool and was concentrating on his performances under Iraola.<\/div>\n
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\u201cRight now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, the fans, everything,\u201d he said.<\/div>\n
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\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/div>\n
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\u2014Reuters\u2014<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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