Federico Chiesa opens up on his Liverpool struggles - and explains why he remains determined to make a success of his Anfield career

Federico Chiesa is determined to forge a successful Liverpool career as he spoke about the challenges he has faced – and why he will never give up.

The Italy international is a hugely popular figure with supporters and he endeared himself further to them on Tuesday after providing the assists for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike to score the goals that sent Liverpool into the Carabao Cup fourth round.

Chiesa proudly clutched his Player-of-the-Match award as he left Anfield following the 2-1 win over Southampton and he feels he’s done more in five appearances this season they he managed in his first year on Merseyside, when he was limited to just 104 Premier League minutes across six games.

He had never previously spoken at length to the media since his £10million move from Juventus in August 2024 but, during an engaging and frank conversation, Chiesa articulated his determination to win his doubters over and keep on making an impact for the team.

Arne Slot, the head coach, left Chiesa out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad but, if the injury sustained by his compatriot Giovanni Leoni is serious, he could be drafted in, as Nottingham Forest have done with Oleksander Zinchencko. Whatever happens, his commitment is beyond question.

‘Last year it was really difficult but I don’t think I was at the level the coach wanted me to play,’ said Chiesa, who was linked with moves back to Serie A. ‘But I understood his choices. This year, it is different. I feel much better physically and mentally. The coach has seen this and given me more opportunities.

‘I’m glad I’ve 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, too. 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. I play for a top club. This is maybe one of the top three in the world. It’s Liverpool – of course they are going to buy top players; of course, the competition is high.

‘If I don’t want competition, I go to another team. But I want the competition! I want to play here and I think, at the end of the day, competition helps you to become a better player. The coach gave me chances in the first four games and I think I showed I can help the team.’

A sense the tide was turning for Chiesa came when he scored against Bournemouth in the first match of the season and that served only to strengthen the connection between him and fans, who fervently sing a song for him every game; they have been taken by his boundless enthusiasm.

The 27-year-old, though, has felt at times that he hasn’t deserved that kind of adulation and it made him feel he had to do something significant in a game to justify the backing he has received; whether it is Slot, his team-mates or the crowd, Chiesa wants to win people over.

‘Since last year I had been feeling that – I needed to give them something back,’ he said. ‘These first few appearances this year, I have given them something but I want to keep on doing it. The support they have given to me in every match is fantastic. I like the chant! There is nothing wrong with it.

‘But I have to give them more. The support is just amazing. He told me what he was thinking, why he chose to do what he did. Of course I was sorry that I am not part of the Champions League squad, as to play in it is every player’s dream.

‘I just said to the coach “ok – no problem. I will keep working hard and I will get my chances in the Carabao Cup and the Premier League.” I am a professional player, I play for Liverpool and to do that is amazing. I’m happy and I have to continue on this path.’

There is likely to be another chance for Chiesa at the weekend as Ekitike’s senseless red card – for which the young Frenchman has apologised – means he will be suspended for the trip to Crystal Palace; he will also have been made aware by his team-mates of his impetuosity.

‘It was a bit naïve of him,’ said Chiesa. ‘It was really naïve. We need him, he is a fantastic player. He showed it here – he is always there when we need a goal, just like Isak. I’m really sorry for him but he is young and he has to improve. Next time, he has to think twice before doing something like that.’