Federico Chiesa shares true feelings on Liverpool Champions League snub and terrace anthem

Chiesa

If the broad smiles of Federico Chiesa have been a feature since his move to Liverpool last year, there was even more reason for his wide-eyed delight on Tuesday evening.

Liverpool stardom hasn't looked exactly like it did in the brochure since he joined from Juventus in late August last year in a deal worth up to £12m.

His first season was beset by fitness problems and a difficulty adjusting to the unique intensity of Premier League football meant the Italian made just one start as a result, at Brighton in early May after the title had already been secured.

Six Premier League appearances in total have almost been equalled already this season, with the former Fiorentina man making four from the bench, including a dramatic 88th-minute intervention against Bournemouth on the opening night back in mid-August, when he expertly volleyed home to make it 3-2.

But if Chiesa is to have any longevity at Anfield, the Carabao Cup will likely be his salvation.

Excluded from the initial 23-man Champions League squad on a technicality over a lack of home-grown players - meaning Arne Slot had to choose teenager Rio Ngumoha over his more experienced colleague - the 27-year-old is also having to catch the eye of his coach with Mohamed Salah ahead of him in the pecking order.

And with the FA Cup not on the calendar until January, the forward is left with little choice but to grasp the opportunities afforded to him in the League Cup with both hands.

So a pair of assists for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in Tuesday night's 2-1 win over Southampton felt like an ideal response to the gauntlet being thrown down.

Chiesa says.

"I can play more in this competition but I want to show the manager I can play more in the Premier League,"

"The coach gave me chances in the first four games and I think I showed that I can help the team. I’m not in the Champions League squad but I am focused on the Carabao Cup."

A reprieve for the European Cup may yet arrive at his door following an injury to his young compatriot Giovanni Leoni, who was stretchered off late on after an excellent debut at the back.

For now, though, Chiesa is targeting making his mark when the chances present themselves domestically.

Chiesa

"I do feel much better in terms of physical ability and I think I have played more this year than last year combined,"

“I’m happy and I have to continue on this path.”

"It was really difficult [being on the fringes] but I don’t think I was at the level the coach wanted me to play. But 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.”

"I’m glad that I have made some contributions in the Premier League.

“That is what Liverpool want from every player who plays for them. It is what the coach wants. All the other players want it.”

"If you play for Liverpool, you have to be able to make a difference. I’m very happy for the moment and I have to keep working hard to get more chances in the future."

Liverpool 2005 Champions League Final Programme Poster The Team Signed Gift - https://amzn.to/4mFCWUB