Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has reportedly made it clear that Federico Chiesa remains firmly in his plans for the upcoming season, handing the Italian international a major boost after months of uncertainty surrounding his future at Anfield.
With speculation linking Chiesa to a possible return to Serie A, Iraola’s stance has offered fresh hope that the winger could still have an important role to play as Liverpool prepare for a new campaign. Recent reports have suggested Chiesa is eager to impress the new manager during pre-season after limited opportunities previously, although there has been no confirmed public statement from Iraola explicitly saying, “Chiesa is in my plans.”
The arrival of Iraola has brought renewed optimism throughout the Liverpool squad, with every player expected to start with a clean slate. Known for his high-intensity, attacking style of football, the Spanish coach values pace, directness, and relentless pressing—qualities that have defined Chiesa throughout his career. Those attributes could make the Italian winger an ideal fit for Iraola’s tactical system if he can stay fit and consistently perform.
Chiesa endured a frustrating spell after arriving at Liverpool, with injuries and fierce competition limiting his opportunities to establish himself as a regular starter. Despite showing flashes of brilliance whenever he featured, the Italian struggled to enjoy a prolonged run in the starting lineup. That led to growing speculation that he could leave the club this summer in search of regular first-team football.
However, Iraola is believed to view the situation differently. Rather than rushing to move Chiesa on, the Liverpool boss wants to assess every player during pre-season before making final decisions on the squad. The manager believes the winger’s experience at the highest level, combined with his versatility across the front line, could become an important asset over the course of a demanding campaign. Reports have indicated Chiesa himself intended to speak with Iraola and use pre-season to prove his worth.
Sources close to the club suggest the manager has encouraged Chiesa to focus entirely on his football and seize the opportunity to earn his place. With Liverpool expected to compete across multiple competitions, squad depth will be essential, and Iraola reportedly believes every attacking player will have a chance to contribute.
For Chiesa, this represents a fresh beginning. The former Juventus star has repeatedly demonstrated his quality on the biggest stages, including his outstanding performances during Italy’s UEFA Euro 2020 triumph. Liverpool supporters know exactly what he is capable of when fully fit, and many believe a consistent run of games could finally unlock his best form in a red shirt.
The coming weeks of pre-season are likely to prove decisive. Chiesa will have the chance to impress Iraola in training and friendly matches while adapting to the tactical demands of Liverpool’s new manager. If he can produce the intensity and attacking threat expected by the coaching staff, he could force his way into the starting XI ahead of the new campaign.
Liverpool fans will undoubtedly welcome the possibility of seeing a fully motivated Federico Chiesa under a manager renowned for developing energetic attacking players. Rather than viewing the Italian as a player destined to leave, Iraola appears determined to evaluate him on merit and give him every opportunity to succeed.
As Liverpool continue preparations for the new season, Chiesa’s future suddenly looks much brighter. Instead of focusing on transfer speculation, the Italian international now has the chance to fight for his place, repay the club’s faith, and become an influential figure in Iraola’s new-look Liverpool side. If he embraces the challenge and remains fit, the upcoming campaign could finally be the season in which Federico Chiesa establishes himself as a key player at Anfield.