Federico Chiesa finally scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool after a difficult first season with the Reds and Arne Slot reckons that he's in for a much better 2025-26 campaign
Arne Slot believes that Federico Chiesa has every chance of having a bright future at Liverpool after finally opening his Premier League account against Bournemouth. Chiesa, 27, failed to score a single league goal in his first season at Anfield last term.
The Italian winger only made 14 appearances in all competitions which included just four starts. But Chiesa has started this season with a bang, scoring an 88th-minute volley to rescue Liverpool from slumping to an opening-night draw with Bournemouth.
Slot called on the ex-Juventus star after the Reds had surrendered a two-goal lead in the second half. Chiesa replaced club-record signing Florian Wirtz, who had a quiet Premier League debut.
The Italy international wasted little time to make an impact, volleying past Djordje Petrovic after the Bournemouth goalkeeper had palmed away Mo Salah's cross. Salah then wrapped things up with a goal to make it 4-2 but it was Chiesa's strike which was the decisive moment.
Post-match, Slot was asked about Chiesa's prospects on Merseyside, having been linked with a move away before the summer transfer window closes. "As long as he is here it is definitely at Liverpool and I have no reason to believe it is going to change," the Liverpool manager replied.
"He had a hard time last season getting his fitness ready and unfortunately for him, he then missed the Asian tour and Joe Gomez the same. We lost Conor Bradley in the end so all my substitutions were related to players who couldn't go 90 minutes.
"At 2-2 you need a number nine. I brought him in and he delivered and that is always positive for your future at the club. The fans sung for him so many times last season and it is very nice for him to give them something in return.
"That is difficult for me to tell you (why supporters have taken to Chiesa so well), although I am a fan, I am never standing on the Kop and don't come up with these songs.
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"The only thing I can come up with is Federico had a great history, was a big player deciding to go from Italy to England, which you don't see that much. I don't know, maybe it is also a nice song to sing, but then I probably don't give him the credits he deserves."
Chiesa also commented on his future, saying: "We will talk to Liverpool, but to be perfectly honest, I am happy here," he said. "I am playing for one of the best teams in the world. I just have to wait and be ready, as I was tonight, and prove that I can play for this team."