Federico Chiesa’s move to Liverpool last summer came under unique circumstances after he was deemed surplus to requirements at Juventus.
The Italian forward, with a year left on his contract, found himself out of favor when Thiago Motta took over in Turin and was subsequently made to train separately from the first team during preseason.
“Chiesa and all the other players not called up for the game are not part of the project,” Motta said in early August. “We have been clear with them. They have to find a new solution and new club as soon as possible. The decision has been made.”
Despite the setback, Chiesa didn’t secure his transfer away until the end of that month. This delay meant that upon joining Liverpool, he had to play catch-up. His absence for most of the first half of the season saw him relegated to a limited role under Arne Slot.
Nevertheless, Chiesa made a notable impact coming off the bench in Liverpool’s Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle, netting a consolation goal at Wembley. He now looks to contribute more significantly as Liverpool push for the Premier League title.
Despite his limited appearances, Chiesa’s father, Enrico, recently confirmed that his son is content at Anfield and has no regrets about his departure from Juventus.
(Image: Stefano Guidi)
“I can guarantee that Federico is very happy at Liverpool,” he told Tuttosport newspaper. “He is at a top club that is leading the Premier League and now we hope he can win the title! He is there to have his say and to play, he has a great opportunity. Regrets are the excuses of the defeated. No, there are no regrets (about his Juventus exit). He’s so happy at Liverpool.”
However, despite having no regrets about leaving Turin, Chiesa has hinted at his feelings toward his former manager following Motta’s dismissal by Juventus, with fans noticing he had liked journalist Fabrizio Romano’s Instagram post confirming the decision.
In the meantime, ex-Liverpool loanee Arthur Melo liked the official Juventus account’s Instagram post confirming the managerial change, with Igor Tudor taking over until the end of the season. The Brazilian is currently on loan at Girona, having also been sidelined by Motta and failing to make an appearance for the Serie A giants during the first half of the season.
Following his dismissal, a statement from Motta was published on the Juventus official website. It read: “I have approached every obstacle with determination and a desire to improve every day. I’m grateful to the club’s ownership for giving me the opportunity to be part of this great team, to the management and staff for their daily support, and to the players for their hard work and dedication from day one. I wish Juventus and its fans all the best for the future.”
Juventus is placed fifth in Serie A, narrowly trailing behind Motta’s former squad Bologna by a single point and place. Juventus’ league performance under the Italian saw it win just 13 of its 29 matches, with an equal number of draws and only three losses.
Juventus’ continental journey concluded earlier than hoped, as it was dispatched from the Champions League during the knock-out phase playoffs by PSV Eindhoven, after a rather undistinguished 20th place finish in the inaugural league phase with a mixed bag of results – three wins, three draws, and two defeats across eight fixtures. Further disappointment followed as Juventus exited the Coppa Italia at the hands of Empoli, who won on penalties in the quarterfinal stage.
