Chiesa sets personal goal for Liverpool pre-season, but refuses to rule out exit | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa says he wants to be ready for the pre-season with Liverpool, but refuses to rule out a return to Serie A, even to Juventus: ‘Never say never.’

The Italian winger struggled with playing time at Liverpool in 2024-25 mostly due to fitness issues in the first part of the campaign.

Chiesa had been frozen out of the Juventus squad last summer and only completed a permanent move to Anfield in the final days of the 2024 summer transfer window.

Liverpool coach Arne Slot played Chiesa as a centre forward in some of Liverpool’s final games of the season, a role he had already covered at Juventus under Massimiliano Allegri.

“With Allegri, I played the entire season as a striker and scored a few goals. Slot also decided to play me there, and I’m happy about it,” Chiesa told Gazzetta.

“If two winning coaches saw the potential in me to play up front, it means I can do it.”

Slot hasn’t given Chiesa much playing time, but the Italian has no hard feelings.

Chiesa sees similarities between Allegri and Slot

Juventus forward Federico Chiesa speaks with Juventus’ Italian coach Massimiliano Allegri as he leaves the pitch during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Fiorentina, at The Allianz Stadium, in Turin on April 7, 2024. (Photo by Marco BERTORELLO / AFP) (Photo by MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

“He reminds me of Allegri in terms of his winning mentality, but he employs different methods, coming from the Netherlands,” said the former Juventus star.

“Everyone thought he might struggle, but he proved to be a great coach within modern football ideas, and we deservedly won the Premier League.”

With just 14 appearances across all competitions and less than 500 minutes of football in 2024-25, does he regret leaving Juventus?

“No, why should I?” Chiesa replied.

“They [Juventus] never offered me a renewal. There had been talks about discussing a new deal after the Euros, but no one ever reached out again. When I returned from vacation and the wedding, I spoke with Thiago Motta, who clearly told me ‘You’re not part of the project, find a new club.’ But I still feel great affection for Juve and the fans.”

Did he feel humiliated as he was forced to train separately from the first team?

“No, because I trained with other players in the same situation,” Chiesa replied.

“They were clear from day one. they let me train with the team for two weeks then Motta didn’t want me anymore. I’m a professional, I accepted it and kept training to find another club. It was a great disappointment because I deeply care about Juventus and thought I still had a lot to give.

“I always behaved properly. It was their decision. While out of the squad, I was able to train in great condition, but I missed playing friendlies. I had to start from scratch at Liverpool and that held me back.”

Chiesa opens up about future at Liverpool

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool scores his team’s fourth goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Accrington Stanley at Anfield on January 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Now that his ex-coach Allegri has been hired as the new Milan coach, would he be open to a reunion at San Siro?

“That’s something to think about during the summer,” said Chiesa.

“My family, my agent and I have a great relationship with Liverpool, and the goal is to be ready for the pre-season. We’ll find the best solution for everyone.

“I work every day with a Liverpool program to be in top shape for the tests on July 8.”

What was his relationship with Allegri?

“A lot has been said, but I have great respect for Max. He gave me a lot. He’s a winner and he’s a great choice for Milan,” insisted Chiesa.

“He made me realise I could play as a support striker, broadening my horizons. Sousa gave me my Serie A debut, Mancini took me to the peak at the Euros, but Allegri helped me grow a lot in terms of personal and football development.”

When was the last time he spoke to his ex-coach?

“He called me in September to wish me good luck at Liverpool, it was really nice of him.”

How about a return to Juventus this summer?

“Never say never,” Chiesa concluded.