Chiesa thriving on Liverpool competition
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Federico Chiesa admits he thrives on Liverpool’s competition for places.
Chiesa played a part in both goals as Arne Slot’s side booked their place in the Carabao Cup fourth round with a 2-1 win over Southampton on Tuesday.
The Italy international’s second season at Anfield has seen him make key contributions despite an abundance of attacking competition ahead of him.
Summer signings Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are among those presently keeping Chiesa away from a regular place in the Reds’ starting line-up.
But the forward insists he accepts, and embraces, the battle for starring roles as par for the course in the Premier League champions’ well-stocked ranks.
“I play for a top club.
This is maybe one of the top three in the world,” said Chiesa
“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 and I think, at the end of the day, competition helps you to become a better player.”
Liverpool’s embarrassment of attacking riches saw Chiesa omitted from their provisional Champions League squad but could be offered a surprise return.
UEFA rules permit clubs to change the list in the event of long-term injury or illness, with Giovanni Leoni’s anticipated lay-off potentially opening the door.
However Chiesa is currently focussed on continuing to play a contributing role in the Premier League and Carabao Cup games when the opportunities arise.
He added: “He told me what he was thinking, why he chose to do what he did.
“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.
“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.”