Ruben Loftus-Cheek, interviewed by CBS Sports Golazo, spoke about his arrival at Milan, Allegri’s arrival, and the club’s ambitions this year.
What has Allegri brought to the team and what has changed compared to last year?
"Allegri brought great energy to the team and around the players. He's always positive and I think the biggest thing that's changed is that we're very compact on the pitch and we really don't want to concede goals, that's the main focus since the start of the season has been being one defensively and not conceding goals and that gives us the best chance to win because we have fantastic quality all over the team going forward. So, if we can keep defensively solid and in shape, that gives us a huge chance to win games and I think you've seen that over the past four games. We're in a good moment now, and we want to continue this form and how we're playing."
Tell us how Milan has been for you in terms of cultural acceptance and approach.
"To be honest, I did not know what to expect leaving Chelsea. I was there for a long time, that was my home. But I saw the opportunity to come to Milan for a new experience and to try to win trophies with Milan, and so far it has been fantastic. I am playing some great football here. I've had a difficult season last season with injuries, but I am starting to feel good now. I just wanted to embrace the culture here. Football is slightly different in terms of tactics, of course that is known in Italy. It's very tactic-dominant, like chess matches. Individually, I can bring my physical strength and power, which are more Premier League traits, but I bring them to Serie A too," he told CBS Sports Golazo.
Is it true that even lower-ranked teams in Italy are tough to face?
"Yes, every match is difficult. Every team has its way of playing and can be a threat. It is really hard to win matches. You have to be ready and focused every game to get the three points. As you saw with Cremonese, it was a tough, tricky match that we lost. This league is very, very hard."
Where do you like to play? Which area of the field do you prefer? Loftus-Cheek answered:
"I have played many roles in my career. I can play in several positions. Sometimes I think it is a gift, other times a curse because you cannot always play where you want. I feel most comfortable in midfield. I feel more offensive, dominant, I like to enter the box and create chances. I think I am best in this position, but I play wherever the coach needs me."
Milan’s declared goal is to return to the Champions League, but in the locker room, is there a sense that you can do more? Sunday you play Napoli, a big game against a strong team that did not play in the Champions League last year like you and then won the Scudetto. What is the perception in the locker room?
"Yes, I think we must be realistic and focus on what is happening now. We have played good games and are starting to see ourselves more united as a team and playing good football. But we cannot get too excited. We must stay focused on improving every day as a team, training well, and focusing on one match at a time without looking too far ahead because it is only the start of the season."
One player in extraordinary form is Christian Pulisic. You have worked together at different clubs. What stands out in him and why is he in such form right now?
"Christian works hard, very hard every day. He trains finishing, penalties, he wants to influence games. What I can say about Christian over the last two seasons I was with him is that he has been very consistent, showing up when it mattered with big goals and performances in important games. You can see him improve match by match. I think he still has a long way to go because he has huge potential. Having Christian in the team is fantastic. We have been good friends since Chelsea, so I am very happy to see him grow and become a top-level player."
Regarding Luka Modric. How easy is it to play midfield next to a Ballon d’Or winner like him?
"(laughs) Yeah, it is really good to play alongside him. You could see it in his first training, he is so calm and collected on the pitch, so in control of his surroundings. When he's on the ball, you know he's going to find you. If you make a run, he's going to see you. So, to have that behind you as a player that likes to get into the box, it's fantastic, and you can see the impact he's had already."
