Chiesa: ‘Liverpool like another planet, Allegri wants Scudetto at Milan’

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 11: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool celebrates scoring his sides 4th goal during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Accrington Stanley at Anfield on January 11, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Federico Chiesa explains why he struggled at Liverpool after being ‘catapulted to another planet,’ but after praising new Milan boss Max Allegri, insists he ‘wouldn’t mind’ staying at Anfield.

The Italy international found himself pushed out of Juventus last summer, as he failed to agree a new contract and the club did not want to risk losing him for free.

His move to Liverpool was somewhat surprising and unfortunately his terrible injury primato continued at Anfield, where he made very few appearances.

“There was no lack of difficulties at the start, don’t forget I arrived at Liverpool on August 26 and found myself catapulted to another planet, with different teammates, without ever having trained with them before, zero friendlies, nothing,” Chiesa told the Corriere dello Sport newspaper.

“If you remember, Liverpool were going triple the speed of everyone else in the Autumn, the intensity was crazy.”

Chiesa struggled to settle in at Liverpool

It wasn’t just the fitness issues that stopped him playing, but also the presence of players like Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo ahead of him in the pecking order.

“Arne Slot also used me as a centre-forward. It was Max (Allegri) who changed my role, urging me to move more as a second striker to score more goals. This has been an important experience, a formative one, believe me.

“I had studied English, so had no problems with the language. I really enjoyed measuring myself up against a different culture and ideas, including football ideas. For example, in the Premier League, you get a day off once a week to spend with your family, rest and recuperate. That’s just not the case in Italy.

“A training retreat is a very occasional practice rather than the norm. Even if Slot is Dutch, he still only has us in a hotel the night before a game if we are playing away, never a home match. There is a real focus on leaving time with your family and constant work behind the scenes to ensure the athlete is in good shape both on and off the field.”

This is also what Chiesa feels is the key behind the different pace of the Premier League game, but also why he struggled to adapt.

“It’s very simple on the pitch: you push everything to the max, permanent intensity, never a pause. The striker has five seconds to get back behind the ball. The physical output is exceptional,” said the former Juventus and Fiorentina winger.

“At the start I was frustrated at these radical changes and the fact I was so far behind in fitness levels already, then I got injured. Could I have started arguing with Slot’s decisions, when he and the club were always so respectful towards me? Of course I wanted to play, but I understood the situation and set that frustration aside. I shelved any form of individualism.”

Now the reports inevitably suggest that Chiesa will return to Serie A with the likes of Roma, Napoli and Milan all interested.

“This season is over, but it is an experience I would do again. I will soon sit around a table with the club, my agent and my family to choose the best solution. I wouldn’t mind staying on at Liverpool,” he replied.

“I want to get back into the Italy squad. I read that I was being linked to every club, but I never had direct contact with anyone. I only received a message right at the start from Max wishing me luck.

“He’s a great coach, because on top of changing my position, he made me realise the difference between being the coach of a top club and a mid-table side. There are things like charisma, sensibility and man management you cannot learn at the academy.

“I am sure Max will let Milan aim for the Scudetto straight away.”