Loftus-Cheek discusses tour, ‘healthy competition’ under Allegri and ‘precious’ recovery time

Ruben Loftus-Cheek believes that AC Milan’s tour of the Far East was a very positive one in which they learned a lot under the new coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Loftus-Cheek had a very difficult 2024-25 season as the whole team did, battling constant injuries and finding himself unable to replicate the form of his first season at the club, in which he hit double figures for goals.

Instead of being cast aside, Allegri seems to be keen on working with the Englishman to get the best out of him again. The early signs in the preseason friendlies are very positive, and it looks like RLC can really be a midfield weapon in both phases.

Ruben in rhythm

Loftus-Cheek spoke to La Repubblica in an interview published this morning. He reflected on the tour of Asia and Australia, trying to remain grounded despite the obvious optimism that has arisen, and his words are via MilanNews.

How was the tour?

“We experienced much more than just the matches. This trip has strengthened the sense of unity in the AC Milan family. We have so many fans in Asia and Australia. The support we’ve received is incredible, almost unexpected.”

Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

You managed to beat the Premier League champions…

“We have to be cautious, it’s summer football and we know that well. The fact remains that Liverpool are one of the best teams in the world and it’s always difficult. The positive thing is that we played very well in a really difficult match.”

How is working with Massimiliano Allegri?

“He’s created healthy competition among us players. Everyone wants a place on the pitch, and we all feel like we can get it if we train and play well. Allegri is a great coach and a fantastic person. He knows how to create a great atmosphere: a great atmosphere creates a great team.”

And it’s also from aspects like this that important work has come from these first few weeks?

“It’s going very well, we’re improving, we’re growing. We’ll need time to perfect our game. But the feeling is really positive.”

Finally, a judgment on the absence from the Champions League?

“We’ll have time to recover during the week. For me physically, after what I went through last season, it will be precious. What’s certain is that we are Milan, and we want to stay in Europe. We’ll work towards that.”