Mansion Sports – Federico Chiesa is facing several crucial months to save his career at Liverpool after new manager Andoni Iraola reportedly told him to fight for his place or leave.

The Italian forward has endured a highly disappointing spell at Anfield and was recently left out of Liverpool’s Champions League squad.

The situation has made Chiesa’s future on Merseyside increasingly uncertain. With fierce competition in Liverpool’s attack and Iraola taking firm decisions as he shapes his squad, Chiesa now needs to quickly prove that he is still worthy of being part of the manager’s plans.

Iraola Makes Firm Squad Decisions

Iraola has only been Liverpool manager for three months, but the Spanish coach has already made several firm decisions regarding his squad.

Midfielder Wataru Endo was recently added to the list of players who could be sold ahead of January after failing to play a single minute this season.

Now, Chiesa finds himself in an equally precarious situation. The 28-year-old winger was also completely left out of Iraola’s Champions League squad and is actively fighting to save his career at Anfield.

Chiesa Told to Pack His Bags

After suffering a lower-back injury during pre-season, Chiesa only returned to first-team training this week.

However, the forward already faces a major challenge in earning the trust of his new manager.

According to Italian media outlet Calcio Mercato, Iraola has issued the forward with a stern ultimatum.

The former Juventus player was reportedly told to “pack his bags” if he cannot quickly work his way into the manager’s first-team plans.

The harsh reality comes after he was recently omitted from Liverpool’s squad for European competition alongside Endo.

The situation is not unfamiliar to the Italian player, as he was also left out of the squad last season before replacing the injured Giovanni Leoni in September.

A Disappointing Spell on Merseyside

Chiesa’s Premier League journey so far has been highly disappointing since he was signed by Arne Slot in the summer of 2024.

Signed as one of the attacking options, he was expected to play an important role for the Reds.

However, his time at Anfield has instead been marked by poor performances and recurring injury problems.

The winger has managed just five goals in 50 appearances for the club, failing to meet the initial expectations placed on him.

While the forward had hoped for a fresh start under the new managerial regime, his pre-season injury has severely hindered his chances of impressing Iraola on the training ground.

Looking Ahead to the January Transfer Window

Chiesa remains under a long-term contract with Liverpool until June 2028. However, his departure could come earlier during the upcoming January transfer window.

The 28-year-old has strong ambitions to return to Roberto Mancini’s Italy squad, a goal that requires regular playing opportunities. If he fails to break into Liverpool’s starting XI, a move away from the club appears increasingly difficult to avoid.

In that situation, the Reds are expected to try to recoup as much as possible of the £12.5 million they paid to sign him more than two years ago. For now, Chiesa must quickly prove his value on Merseyside.

Chiesa’s future at Liverpool is now at a decisive point. With time running out and pressure mounting for him to deliver, the winger must make the most of every opportunity he is given if he wants to remain part of Liverpool’s plans.