Chiesa Seeks Anfield Renaissance Under Iraola Ahead of Crucial World Cup 2026

As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, securing regular first-team football has never been more critical for Federico Chiesa. The Italian forward, looking to cement his place in Luciano Spalletti’s national team setup for the historic tournament across North America, has openly voiced his desire for a "new chapter" at Liverpool. According to Guardian Football, Chiesa found the back of the net in a recent friendly victory over Sunderland, offering a tantalizing glimpse of the clinical talent that has been largely confined to the substitutes' bench at Anfield. The 26-year-old endured what he describes as a deeply "frustrating" tenure under manager Arne Slot. While statistics show he made 36 appearances for the Dutch coach last season, that number masks a harsh reality: only five of those were starts. For a player of Chiesa’s caliber, especially one needing rhythm, sharpness, and confidence ahead of the 2026 global showpiece, such limited action is a massive roadblock. Chiesa did not hold back in his assessment of the previous campaign, shockingly claiming that Liverpool was actually "lucky" to secure their UEFA Champions League qualification given their overall performances and underlying metrics. Now, the explosive winger is looking toward a tactical reset, specifically naming Andoni Iraola as the manager he hopes will usher in this new era at Anfield. Chiesa believes Iraola’s dynamic, high-intensity pressing style could be the perfect catalyst to unlock his peak form. For Italy, a rejuvenated Chiesa is absolutely paramount. The Azzurri are desperate to make amends on the world stage after the shocking heartbreak of missing both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. Having a prime, match-fit Chiesa—who was instrumental in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph—tearing down the wing next summer could be the ultimate difference-maker for Spalletti's squad. Conversely, another stagnant club campaign could severely jeopardize his spot in the final roster for the World Cup hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. With persistent transfer rumors swirling regarding a potential return to Serie A this summer, Chiesa’s latest comments make his immediate intentions clear. He seemingly wants to stay in the Premier League, but only if the project aligns with his ambitious World Cup timeline. If Iraola does indeed take the managerial reins, Liverpool fans might finally witness the dominant version of Chiesa that once terrorized Europe's elite defenders. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Anfield to see how this high-stakes saga unfolds.