Forward “sorry” he wasn’t included in Champions League squad but vows to “keep working hard”
Federico Chiesa has said he welcomes the intense competition for places at Liverpool, after finding minutes hard to come by so far at the club.
He made his first start of the season for the club on Tuesday against Southampton in the Carabao Cup, and he put in an impressive display, assisting both goals as the Premier League champions beat the Championship side 2-1.
The two players he assisted, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak, are highly rated forwards brought in for considerable sums of money last summer. Chiesa would have to do a lot of work to get playing time with them, Mohamed Salah and the reliable Cody Gakpo all vying for three spots in the front line.
Chiesa said: “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. Competition helps you to become a better player.”
The Italian international has also battled with injuries, which have restricted him from fully staking his claim in the squad. Last season he missed 14 games through injury, although he hopes that the worst is now behind him in that department.
“I do feel much better in terms of physical ability and I think I have played more this year than last year combined,” said Chiesa. “I’m happy and I have to continue on this path.
“It was really difficult [last year] but I don’t think I was at the level the coach wanted me to play. I understood his choices.
“This year, it is different. I feel better physically and mentally. The coach has seen this and given me more opportunities.”
Competing with Chiesa for a role in the squad is also the 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha, who has emerged as an exciting option for head coach Arne Slot. He started the game against Southampton and has been included in Liverpool’s Champions League squad ahead of Chiesa.
“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,” said Chiesa.
“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.”
