'A relief' - Federico Chiesa reacts after making Anfield debut during Liverpool's Premier League win over Bournemouth

Chiesa signed for Liverpool in the summer from Juventus on a four-year deal after being told by coach Thiago Motta he was not in his plans for the future. The Italy international made his debut for the club as a substitute in the midweek Champions League win over AC Milan and followed that up by making his first appearance for Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday after coming off the bench in the 3-0 win over Bournemouth.

Chiesa faces a battle breaking into the first team due to the presence of Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Cody Gakpo, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez but will be targeting a first start after enjoying his first minutes for the Reds. The Italian says it was a "relief" to play at Anfield on Saturday, particularly as the game ended with a resounding win for the home side.

He told the club's media: "Hearing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' for the first time from the bench was amazing. It was amazing against Nottingham Forest but unfortunately we lost, but today was really amazing. I enjoyed every bit of it.

"I think I played seven minutes in Milan, not too much, but I was very, very happy to make my debut against Milan. Today I just had to be ready and when the coach told me to get in the game I was so happy. It was also a relief as I wanted to play here at Anfield."

Chiesa could well be handed a first start next time out as Liverpool take on West Ham in the Carabao Cup third round. Arne Slot may choose to rotate his team for the game at Anfield and offer Chiesa the chance to stake a claim for a starting spot.