Federico Chiesa is reportedly prepared to fight for his future at Liverpool following the departure of Arne Slot. Despite enduring a difficult period on Merseyside, where he often found himself on the fringes of the squad, the Italian international remains intent on making an impact under new head coach Andoni Iraola.

Slot’s exit triggers change in Chiesa’s plans

Chiesa’s stint at Anfield seemed close to an early conclusion after a challenging 2025-26 campaign in which he struggled to earn consistent playing time. However, the exit of Slot has apparently altered the winger’s outlook, as reported by Italian journalist Mirko Di Natale of TuttoJuve. Previously linked with a return to Italy, the 28-year-old is now said to be concentrating on proving his value to the incoming Liverpool management team rather than seeking a move away.

The Italian forward endured a frustrating season, logging only 726 minutes across all competitions. Despite his limited opportunities, Chiesa believes that Iraola’s arrival offers him the ideal chance to reignite his form and justify the expectations that followed his transfer from Juventus. Unless Liverpool decide to actively place him on the market, his focus remains firmly on succeeding in the Premier League.

Determined to impress Andoni Iraola

Iraola’s appointment signals a tactical evolution for Liverpool, and Chiesa is reportedly enthusiastic about demonstrating that his abilities align with the Spaniard’s high-energy playing style. The winger is described as being “determined” to rewrite his story at Anfield, regarding the upcoming pre-season as a crucial opportunity to reset and reclaim a place in the first-team rotation. This ambition persists even amid growing interest from Serie A clubs closely monitoring his situation.

Reflecting on his recent struggles in a post-season interview, Chiesa maintained an optimistic outlook. “I’ll go on a training camp in the US, then I’ll talk to the club and the new manager, Iraola, and we’ll see,” he said when discussing his summer plans. His proactive attitude reflects a player unwilling to abandon his Premier League ambitions.

Juventus and Como interest continues

Although Chiesa’s immediate goal is to re-establish himself at Liverpool, speculation about a potential return to Italy persists. Both Juventus and Como are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing him should his situation in England not improve. Chiesa has always expressed affection for his former club, Juventus, and has previously spoken about the strong emotional bond he maintains with the Bianconeri despite leaving in 2024.

“I’d love to return to Juventus,” Chiesa recently revealed. “It’s been said that I asked for a lot of money, but that’s not true — I was never offered a renewal. We never even discussed it. [Cristiano] Giuntoli and Thiago Motta told me, ‘Fede, we don’t need you: find a team.’ I was fortunate to join one of the top five clubs in the world, Liverpool. But Juventus will always be in my heart, and I’d love to go back. I’ve never spoken about money with Juve, and I never will.”

Proving fitness for club and country

Beyond his club ambitions, Chiesa is also determined to silence critics questioning his fitness. He came under scrutiny in Italy after missing crucial World Cup play-offs in March but was quick to clarify his commitment to the national team. “(Former head coach Gennaro) Gattuso has already spoken about it, and I thank him. Rino is a wonderful man, rare in the football world. Unfortunately, injuries happen, and I arrived at Coverciano with physical issues. I was sent home after consulting with the doctors and missed a week and a half with Liverpool,” he explained.

He added: “I understand that people may think differently at such times, but I’ve also achieved success with the national team! Some people forget that... The biggest disappointment was seeing Italy miss out on the World Cup. I care deeply about the Azzurri shirt, and it hurt.” As he prepares for pre-season training, Chiesa recognises that maintaining top physical condition will be crucial to earning a regular role in Iraola’s new Liverpool setup.