Forward has impressed this season after a stuttering start to his Liverpool career
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has vowed to take on a greater leadership role as the Reds attempt to arrest their alarming run of defeats under Arne Slot.
The Premier League champions have suffered four consecutive losses, leaving their title defence in serious doubt and prompting Virgil van Dijk to call a players’ meeting after the recent defeat to Manchester United.
Saturday’s 3-2 loss to Brentford threw things up to crisis mode and heaped pressure on both Slot and the players. Chiesa admitted the dressing room was subdued after the match.
“No one was speaking, because afterwards everyone knows,” said Chiesa. “Sometimes you don’t have to speak about the situation. You know what’s going on. So no one spoke because I think we have to think about what we can do better.
“Usually when we are in this situation the first thing that comes to your mind is to give more and train harder. It was good that after the game we didn’t talk because it’s a sign that everyone wants to change the situation.”
The Italian has struggled for consistency at Liverpool due to injuries but has been one of the few bright spots this season, winning their player of the month award for September. However, his impact hasn’t been enough to lift the champions, who now sit seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal.
“Of course, after we went to the bus and we started to talk about the situation, the first thing is that we don’t have to blame anything or anyone,” said Chiesa.
“We’re not winning, and there could be many reasons for that, but we have to bounce back. Personally, I don’t care if it’s this or that which is causing us not to win. For me, the most important thing is to work harder.”
Chiesa said he feels a personal responsibility to guide the younger players through the current slump.
“I’m honoured to have such a big support from the fans, because we’re talking about Liverpool fans,” said the Italian.
“Playing for Liverpool is an honour, and having this kind of support is amazing. So yeah, I feel that I can give a bit of leadership on the pitch, because I’m 28 and we have a lot of players that are around 24, or like Florian [Wirtz] just 22.
“Of course, then we have Virgil [van Dijk], we have Mo [Salah], but I think for the games that I have played in my past, I can bring that [experience] to our game.”
After missing 14 matches last season, Chiesa’s improved fitness has been one of few positives for Slot. The forward says he now feels physically and mentally ready to help the club recover.
“Last year I wasn’t fit enough. I wasn’t mentally ready and I didn’t play,” said Chiesa. “This year, I felt as soon as we started I felt better physically and mentally. I have played more and I still need to play more to reach the level.
“I was playing a lot when I won the Euros [with Italy in 2021]. I’m a different player now, but I like where I’m going and I like the fact I have improved in many aspects of my game, apart from the fact I have lost a bit of speed.”
Liverpool’s title challenge appears to be slipping, but Chiesa is determined to keep fighting and setting the standard on and off the pitch.
“I want to play well, that’s my main goal,” said the forward. “I’m not happy with what the situation is like for the team because we’re not winning, but, personally, I think I’m giving a lot to the team, to the fans and I want to keep doing that in order to win in the future. Obviously, I want to stay here and I want to win for Liverpool again.”
