Ruben Loftus-Cheek spoke to the press ahead of the final friendly in the US.
Milan play their last USA friendly in the Wednesday European morning as they take on Barcelona at the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Ahead of the game (05:00 CEST kickoff), summer signing Loftus-Cheek spoke to the press, as reported by Milan’s official site:
On the experience in the US: “I’d already been to Los Angeles. However, it’s my first time in Las Vegas, and I hope I get a bit of time to see the city. Firstly, the crowd is incredible actually. And it’s not what we expected really, because you know – coming to a country where football, well soccer [laughs], is not too big. The fans get to see European football, which is great and the stadiums are so loud and it’s incredible, so it’s been a pleasure to play in these stadiums in front the American crowd.”
On the friendlies so far: “I think the last two games, being ahead in both games against two top teams, we definitely let that one slip in both games, but two top teams and that what can happen in games. There is definitely a lot to improve for us and that’s the exciting thing because we’ve played some really good football, and there is still a lot to improve on, so we’ve been working diligently in pre-season to get ready for the season.”
On the first few weeks at Milan: “It’s always a challenge to arrive in a new country where a different language is spoken. I have to say that my teammates – especially those who speak English well and who I already knew – are really helping me to overcome this first obstacle. I feel really good and am at the right place.”
On Pioli: “The manager definitely wants us to play on the front foot, attacking football, aggressive football and this team is capable of that. And I think any player who plays football always wants to play with the ball and to be aggressive and play attacking, fluid football. And I think this is what the manager is asking of us and we do our best to produce that on the pitch. The more we play with each other, there’s a lot of new players coming in, and so the more we play with each other the more we can gel and let that come out on the pitch. And I already have a good feeling on players gelling, really good relationships in the team so far, so I’m really excited about what this team can do in the season.”
On scoring goals: “I scored 10 goals in that season at Chelsea with Sarri, playing in an attacking position. I got injured for a whole season and after that it was very difficult, but after that being back at Chelsea I was playing in a defensive position, so not making the box, not being in areas to score goals that often. This season may be different, I might be playing in a more offensive position and if so then of course I’d like to be on the scoresheet a lot more than in previous years. I’m always confident that if I’m making the box then I’ll be able to score goals.”
On Pulisic: “Chris and I have arrived from the same team – Chelsea – and it’s great that we’re back together. We’re full of hunger and have the chance to play in a new country for a very important Club. We hope to make the most of this opportunity.”
