Federico Chiesa, after his first season at Liverpool—crowned with a Premier League title but limited personal satisfaction—opened up in an interview with Corriere dello Sport (as quoted by IlBianconero) . Chiesa spoke candidly about his challenges in England, his time at Juventus, and the lessons learned from coaches like Massimiliano Allegri.
The Difficulties of Adapting to Liverpool
“You accept decisions as a professional and move forward. There were plenty of difficulties: I arrived at Liverpool on August 26 and suddenly found myself on another planet, having never trained with my teammates, only with a fitness coach. No friendlies, nothing…”
Positional Changes and Allegri’s Influence
“On the left? There were Luis Diaz and Gakpo, so Slot played me as a number 9. It was Allegri who changed my position, suggesting I play as a second striker to score more, and I did get my goals. This experience has been formative. I had no issues with English because I studied it at school, and I really enjoyed immersing myself in a different culture.”
Frustration and Team Spirit
“At first, I was frustrated because I was so far behind the group, then came the injury. Up until the match with PSG, Liverpool was ahead of everyone, in the Carabao Cup semifinals and among the Champions League favorites. Could I argue with Slot’s choices? I really wanted to play, but I had to set aside any individualism.”
Facing PSG and Inter’s Collapse
“When we played PSG, they really put us under pressure, even though we won. The return leg went differently, and they won. They’re an incredibly intense team. It was impressive. I thought the final would be 50-50, but… Dembélé’s pressing on Sommer was incredible. The 2-0 closed the match, Inter was mentally crushed.”
Looking to the Future
“The season is over, soon I’ll sit down with my family and my agent Ramadani to find the best solution. Staying at Liverpool wouldn’t bother me at all.”
The National Team
“Kean’s out too, it’s tough. But names don’t matter anymore. Spalletti can give a lot to this team, and we can’t fail for a third time in a row. We’re Italy, and the coach’s attention made me happy. I want that shirt back.”
Juventus and Surprising Exclusions
“Everyone knew Szczesny and Rabiot were out of the project. The exclusions of Fagioli and Danilo surprised me. Dani was the reference point in the dressing room, he’s Juventus through and through: cutting him was a decision I didn’t understand or agree with.”
Motta’s Directness
“Motta was clear with me: ‘I don’t need you, find another team.’ I told him I was ready to fight and prove I could still be useful for Juve, but there was nothing to be done. It was his decision.”
Allegri’s Lasting Impact
“Did I hear from Conte? Never, not Antonio. I didn’t have direct contact with anyone. Just a message of good luck from Allegri at the start. He’s great—besides changing my position, he made me understand the difference between coaches at a top club and those at mid-table clubs. Charisma, management, sensitivity, and techniques you don’t learn at Coverciano. Like him, there’s Conte, Ancelotti, Spalletti. Max gives you so much, and with Milan he’ll go for the Scudetto right away. In January last year, we were convinced we could do it, the group was solid, enthusiastic, and united. The second half didn’t go well, but we made up for it with the Coppa Italia.”
