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Federico Chiesa says he wants to repay the Liverpool fans with more important contributions because of their support in a difficult first year on Merseyside.
While he didn't play much in his debut season after arriving from Juventus in the summer of 2024, Chiesa's song — which he loves — has become a regular fixture at Anfield and he has already scored a late winner against Bournemouth in the Premier League on the opening day of the 2025/26 campaign.
"Since last year, I had been feeling that I needed to give them something back," Chiesa told reporters after a good performance in the Carabao Cup against Southampton.
"These first few appearances this year, I have given them something, but I want to keep on doing it. The support they have given to me in every match is fantastic.
"I like the chant! There is nothing wrong with it. But I have to give them more. The support is just amazing."
Arriving late in the transfer window when he signed for Liverpool, Chiesa struggled to get up to speed. But this time around, things were different: the 27-year-old had a full pre-season and has been working behind the scenes on what Arne Slot demands of his forwards.
"I feel much better in terms of physical ability, and I think I have played more this year than last year combined!" he says. "I’m happy and I have to continue on this path.
"[Last season] was really difficult. I don’t think I was at the level the coach wanted me to play but 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.
"I’m glad that I have made some contributions in the Premier League. That is what Liverpool wants from every player who plays for them. It is what the coach wants.
"All the other players want it. If you play for Liverpool, you have to be able to make a difference. I’m very happy for the moment and I have to keep working hard to get more chances in the future.
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"I can play more in this competition but I want to show the manager I can play more in the Premier League.
"The coach gave me chances in the first four games and I think I showed that I can help the team. I’m not in the Champions League squad but I am focused on the Carabao Cup."
Missing out on being eligible for playing in Europe this season was a blow for Chiesa, but the domestic cups, in particular, should provide a chance for minutes.
Slot privately explained to Chiesa his decision to leave him out of the Champions League squad and the player has taken it in his stride.
"He told me what he was thinking, why he chose to do what he did," Chiesa said. "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.
"I play for a top club. This is maybe one of the top three in the world. 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."
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