Liverpool defeated Southampton 2-1 in the third round of the 2025/26 English League Cup, with goals from Isak and Ekitik. Chiesa, who was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance, expressed his commitment to repaying the support of the team and fans with outstanding performances.

In the 43rd minute of the game, Southampton goalkeeper Alex McCarthy made a mistake when kicking off. Chiesa immediately passed the ball back after getting the ball, and Isaac pushed the ball into the net, helping Liverpool to open the scoring with a 1-0 lead.

In the 76th minute of the second half, Shay Charles scored with a volley, helping Southampton equalize the score at 1-1. In the 85th minute, Robertson made a long pass, Chiesa received the ball and passed it across the penalty area, and Ekitik pushed the ball into the empty net, helping Liverpool take the lead again at 2-1.

In the end, Liverpool eliminated Southampton 2-1 at Anfield.

Chiesa, 27, joined Liverpool in September last year. Although he did not participate in many games last season, Chiesa still won the Premier League championship with the team.

In the new Premier League season, Chiesa scored his first Premier League goal in the game against Bournemouth.

Looking back on the challenges he faced after joining Liverpool, Chiesa shared, "Last year was really difficult, but I felt I didn't reach the level the coach expected. But I understood his choice, and this year is different. I feel much better both physically and mentally. The coach also saw this and gave me more opportunities."

"I'm very happy to be able to contribute some performances in the Premier League. This is what Liverpool requires of every player, what the coach wants, and the same goes for my teammates. When you play for Liverpool, you have to make a difference. I'm very happy now, but I have to keep working hard to get more opportunities. I'm playing for a top club, perhaps one of the top three teams in the world. This is Liverpool, they will definitely bring in top players, and the competition will be fierce."

"I want to stay here and play football"

Chiesa continued, "If I don't want to compete, I will go to another team. But I just want to compete, I want to stay here and play football. I think in the end competition can make me a better player. The coach gave me opportunities in the first four games, and I also proved that I can help the team."

Speaking about the support he has received from the team and fans, Chiesa said: "I have had this feeling since last year, that I have to give something back to them. In the first few appearances this year, I have done it, but I have to keep going, and the support the fans give me in every game is really amazing."

"But I had to give them more, and the coach told me his thoughts and explained why he made those decisions. I was of course disappointed not to be included in the Champions League squad, because participating in the Champions League is every player's dream."

Chiesa added: "But I will keep working hard and seize my opportunities in the League Cup and the Premier League. I am a professional player and I play for Liverpool, which is already very good. I am very happy and I will keep going on this path."