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Federico Chiesa has said he was delighted to start his first game of the season in Tuesday’s win over Southampton, but also shared his disappointment with the overall team performance.
The Italian was the standout performer in the 2-1 victory at Anfield, setting up both goals. Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike were on target in the Carabao Cup third-round tie, but with 11 changes from the weekend win over Everton, it was a largely disjointed display from last season’s beaten finalists.
Of all those drafted in, Chiesa impressed most and earned praise from Arne Slot in his post-match press conference. Tuesday’s win was just his third 90-minute display since joining from Juventus and only his second-ever Anfield start for the club.
Speaking to LFCTV after the game, Chiesa said he was delighted to return to the line-up but was frustrated with the team's display.
“I always enjoy playing at Anfield and for Liverpool, but I have to say it wasn't a great performance by the team.
“We should have been more concentrated since the start of the game. But at the end we won and that's what we wanted.
“I think in this game we had the opportunity to show that we are Liverpool and we should win this game easy, instead we complicated ourselves.
“In the first half, Southampton were good because we were poor as a team. We have to improve and we have to focus a little bit better.
“It’s hard because there were 11 different players on the pitch so it was a bit difficult, but the attitude must be better. Now we focus on Saturday and continuing the winning streak.”
It was a mixed night for Italians at Anfield, with both Chiesa and Giovanni Leoni putting in assured performances.
But the cup tie ended in concerning fashion for the latter, who was replaced with what appeared to be a serious injury.
Unprompted, Chiesa sent his support to the teenage center-back during his post-match interview.
“Unfortunately, I'm sorry for Giovani Leoni for what has happened to him. We don't know yet what happened to him but I hope that it is nothing bad because he has a bright future ahead.
“He is a fantastic guy and a great footballer. He's just 18. I hope it's nothing bad but we will see.
“I saw him last year in Serie A and he already showed calmness on the ball and then a great defensive mind – an Italian defensive mind as the old defenders back in the day! I hope it's actually nothing.”
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