Federico Chiesa insists he ‘wants to play for Liverpool’ after making first start in four months against PSV Eindhoven

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Liverpool slipped to defeat in the Champions League on Wednesday but could still draw plenty of positives from their trip to PSV Eindhoven.

Having already qualified for the last-16, there was little pressure on the Reds to get anything in Eindhoven.

With the home side still fighting to ensure their own progression to the Champions League play-off, they had the bigger incentive to get the win.

Nevertheless, after Arne Slot named a heavily rotated team on the night, there were still a number with points to prove in the black and grey of Liverpool.

Perhaps the man with the biggest need to deliver in that respect was Federico Chiesa.

And after Chiesa delivered a promising performance – and played the full 90 minutes – the Italian delivered a firm and pleasing message on his frustrating time at Liverpool so far.

Federico Chiesa loving life at Liverpool

Throughout his six months or so at Liverpool there have been constant rumours in the press that Chiesa is unhappy at Anfield.

His start on Wednesday was only the second of his short Reds career and the first time he has completed 90 minutes. Inevitably, Chiesa has been linked with a return to Italy.

But with mere days of the transfer window remaining, that doesn’t look likely to happen. And speaking to LFCTV after playing PSV, Chiesa insisted that he is happy at Liverpool.

“I have to thank the coach, the staff, for giving me the possibility to play 90 minutes tonight,” said the Italian.

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“For me it was great, I needed it. Since I joined Liverpool I wanted to prove myself, I couldn’t for many reasons. 90 minutes after a while was great so I have to thank the coach.

“There is room for improvement, to get better and better and be at the best of my game,” Chiesa added. “But we have a great team and it’s hard to play, that’s normal. I want to be here, I want to play for Liverpool, I want to challenge myself and I will be ready for my next opportunity.”

Chiesa makes Anfield ‘shivers’ claim

As well as his declaration of committment to Liverpool, Chiesa went one step further on Wednesday to hail the Reds fanbase and the experience of playing at Anfield.

“I’m playing with great players, in a great team, we are so focused on every competition, we want to challenge for every title,” he said. “There’s a great atmosphere and I enjoy myself here.”

“Of course I didn’t get the chance to play for many reasons and this is he first 90 minutes in a while so I’m just happy tonight, focused on that. I’m enjoying being at the club because Liverpool is one of the biggest clubs in the world, the fanbase is just amazing and playing at Anfield gives me shivers.”

If Chiesa can keep on showing the application, desire and quality that was on full display in Eindhoven, there is every chance he can stay with Liverpool for the longhaul.

With match fitness now slowly returning to his legs, it certainly shouldn’t be the final 90 minutes he plays this season.