Liverpool players have always been a tight-knit group ever since the early days of Jurgen Klopp’s reign.

Although many have come and gone since Klopp took over in 2015, the family feel of the squad has always remained the same.

That has been more vital than ever this summer, after the tragic death of Diogo Jota left the Liverpool squad in devastation.

The group have rallied around and been there for each other, with Friday night’s game against Bournemouth a sign of just how deeply Jota’s passing has impacted them.

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It was an emotional evening at Anfield, made all the more poignant after Federico Chiesa volleyed in a late, late winner for Liverpool.

Chiesa himself has had a tough time acclimatising after joining the Reds from Juventus in 2024.

But as hope sprouts that the Italian has turned a corner, he has at least been able to count on the support of three very good teammates at Liverpool.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

Despite his lack of game time over the past year, Chiesa has always remained a positive and smiling figure around the camp.

His goal on Friday was roundly celebrated for exactly that reason, with Virgil van Dijk confirming that the Liverpool team all love Chiesa after the game.

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But according to The Athletic, the No.

14 is ‘especially close’ to the South American duo of Alexis Mac Allister and Alisson Becker, as well as Wataru Endo.

Those three aside, it is claimed that the whole Liverpool squad ‘admire how Chiesa has dealt with adversity’ since joining last year.

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Interestingly, the 27-year-old’s movements at the final whistle of Friday’s match are also noted.

Chiesa is said to have ‘made a beeline’ for first team doctor Amit Pannu and performance psychologist Lee Richardson after the game finished, delivering big hugs for both before heading back out onto the pitch.

Throughout much of the summer, it has been expected that Chiesa would leave Liverpool after just one, disappointing season.

However, the goal on Friday appears to have turned the tide somewhat, with journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming on Saturday that his countryman could stay at Anfield.

“Federico was never desperate to leave Liverpool,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“He had to leave Liverpool at some point, it was June, July, the player had a feeling that there was no space for him.

“But he always had an amazing relationship with the club, with Arne Slot, the fans.

Chiesa loves Liverpool.

“After Luis Diaz left and Liverpool put their effort on a striker, Isak, rather than a winger, Chiesa started to say ‘maybe I can be the winger to help the squad.’ He completely changed his approach and now Slot is very happy with him.