1 hour ago
26
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has shed a bit of light on AC Milan’s aims for the season, and just how big Luka Modric’s impact has been.
Loftus-Cheek has enjoyed a positive start to the season, netting what turned out to be the winning goal in the win over Lecce in round two, and playing more regular minutes than what he got in the last campaign.
It was a difficult 2024-25 for the Englishman as he battled constant injury problems, something that has plagued him from his time at Chelsea. This led to speculation that he could depart, yet Massimiliano Allegri seems to have been a big believer since day one.
Allegri, Pulisic, Modric and more
Now in his third season at the club, RLC spoke to CBS Sports Golazo about what has changed over the summer, including the ambitions and the new team-mates he has welcomed.
There seems to be a lot of confidence in you, what has been the biggest change under Allegri?
“The coach came in and brought a great energy to the team and around it. He’s always positive. The biggest change is the compactness on the pitch. We really don’t want to concede goals. It’s been our main focus since the start of the season. We’re one defensive unit and we don’t concede.
“This gives us the opportunity to win because we have great quality in the team. If we can be solid, we have a great chance of winning games, and we’ve seen that in recent games. We’re in good form and want to continue like this.”
What are milan’s aims for the season?
“We have to be realistic and focused on what’s happening now. We’ve had some good games, but we can’t get too excited. We have to stay focused on improving as a team and take it game by game.
“We can’t look too far ahead just because we’re in a good moment; it’s only the start of the season and there’s still a long way to go. We have to take it game by game, and now we have a big one against Napoli.
“We hope to get a good result, then we’ll think about the next one and see how far we can go. We definitely want to return to the Champions League, that’s an objective.”
What are the differences between Serie A and the Premier League?
“Football here is a little different tactically. We know that tactics dominate in Serie A, it’s like a chess game in some matches. You adapt to this game, but you also bring something from your own experience and from the Premier League.
“Honestly, every match here is really competitive, each team brings their own style of play and their own threat. It’s very difficult to win games, you have to be totally focused to do so.
“We saw it against Cremonese; we had a difficult start to the season and had to bounce back. I think people can see this difficulty.”
What was it like leaving Chelsea for a new experience in Italy?
“I didn’t know what to expect when I left Chelsea. It was my home and I’d been there for a long time. I had the opportunity to come to Milan for a new experience and to win trophies with Milan.
“It’s been fantastic so far. They play good football here. Last season was difficult because of injuries, but now I feel good.”
You have played a few roles at Milan, but what is your favourite?
“I’ve played in different positions throughout my career. I think I’m best in midfield. I’m a dominant attacking player, and I like to get into the box and create danger.
“I think I’m effective as a number 8, but I can be effective in other positions too. That natural joy you have as a kid, I’ve had it since I was a number 8.”
Christian Pulisic has had a brilliant start to the season…
“Christian works really hard every day on finishing and penalties. He wants to be a player who can decide matches. Over the last two seasons, he’s been very consistent in his performances and in his numbers, showing up when needed, with great performances in big matches.
“He still has a lot to improve on; he has great potential. It’s great to have him on the team; we’ve been good friends since our time at Chelsea. He’s a top player.”
And you now play alongside Modric…
“It’s great to play with him. You could see it from the first training session: he’s always very calm and organized on the pitch, always in control of what’s going on around him. When he has the ball, you don’t have to worry, you know he’ll find you if you make a run.
“Having a player like him behind you is fantastic for a player like me who likes to run into the box. Then you can see the impact he’s already had. It’s wonderful to have the chance to play with him.”
What do you like to do away from football?
“I think as a player you’re very busy; football is what you do all year round. Off the pitch, you have the opportunity to unwind, relax, and not think about football because you’re already doing too much of that.
“I think it’s a good thing to focus on other things like fashion when you take a break. When you’re in Milan, it’s hard to escape fashion. It’s nice to be involved in the local culture.”
English (US) ·