Federico Chiesa eyes more minutes under new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola

The Italy international admitted he is "doing the best I can" to get his career back on track following a difficult spell under former boss Arne Slot. Chiesa became Slot's first signing after the Dutchman replaced Jurgen Klopp, joining from Juventus in a deal worth up to 12.5 million pounds.

However, the move has not worked out as planned. Chiesa has made 50 appearances for Liverpool, but only nine have come as a starter.

The 27-year-old was linked with a January exit, but Liverpool refused to let him leave. The club retained him because Alexander Isak was sidelined with injury, while Mohamed Salah was away on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Egypt.

"The only conversations I had were about pressing and tactics," Chiesa said following Liverpool's 4-2 win over Sunderland in a pre-season friendly.

"So I don't know, it is difficult to say. 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.

"Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. 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."

He added: "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. I have played my whole career as a winger, but I am happy to play striker as well.

"Pre-season is always hard, no? We didn't just start, we have been training two weeks now with a new coach.

"We have seen what he wants. He wants high intensity, one versus one all over the pitch, that's what we wanted to show today. Of course it is hard, it is pre-season." 

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