AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek has shed some light on what it has been like working under Paulo Fonseca so far, and what to expect from the new signing Alvaro Morata.
Milan are currently in the United States for the Soccer Champions Tour where they will play Barcelona tomorrow after beating Manchester City and Real Madrid. Loftus-Cheek has featured in both games, starting in the double pivot last time out as the Rossoneri won 1-0 against the European champions.
Loftus-Cheek spoke during an interview with Milan TV about how the preseason has been with the new coach, learning his ideas and getting into the best possible shape.
“I think we’re very excited. We’ve been working on the pitch with the new manager, very intense training, very tough so it’s good in the fact that the manager wants so much from us and is putting the pressure on us, and he really wants to get his ways across to us,” he said.
“He always encourages us to ask questions to him just to understand everything and for us to grasp his concepts as quickly as possible. Our first impression is good and he seems like a very humble and down to earth guy which is always nice.
“It’s good the fact that everyone is ready to go and I think everyone is excited for the new season. The main thing in preseason is to get the work in and implement as much as we can of what the coach wants on and off the ball, getting as fit as we can so we’re ready to go for the new season.”
The Englishman also went on to speak about Morata, who arrived from Atletico Madrid last month and is someone that he knows well from their time together at Chelsea.
“He [Morata] is of course a top player and he has won a lot of things in his career so having that kind of calibre of player and experience to come into the squad can only help. I’m excited to see him again and to share the pitch with him again.
“He’s a very kind person, down to earth, works hard on the training pitch and it doesn’t surprise you with the trophies he has won because that seems to be the formula when someones is a professional and takes everything in his work seriously and wants to win.
“It’s no surprise that he’s done what he’s done in his career, and now him being the captain of his national team he can maybe have a leadership role where he can bring a lot of communication and leadership to the squad, which will be massive for us.
“I think that’s what I’m looking forwards to most: playing with him, and for him to step up in a role where he can lead the team as well.”
