Beyond his club future, Chiesa is also focused on silencing critics regarding his fitness levels. He faced backlash in Italy after missing crucial World Cup play-offs in March, but he was quick to defend his commitment to the national team. “(Former head coach Gennaro) Gattuso has already said it, and I thank him. Rino is a fantastic man, rare in the world of football. Unfortunately, injuries happen, and I arrived at Coverciano with some physical problems. In fact, I was sent home after a consultation with the doctors and was out for a week and a half with Liverpool,” he explained.
He continued: “I understand that people might be thinking about other things at a time like this, but I also won with the national team! Some people sometimes forget that… The only pain was seeing Italy out of the World Cup. I’m very attached to the blue jersey, and I suffered.” As he gears up for pre-season with Liverpool, Chiesa knows that maintaining his fitness is the primary hurdle between him and a regular starting spot in Iraola’s new-look side.
