Ruben Loftus-Cheek

[Amblève. 4,995]

Lol, so unnecessary

[Reddish-Blue 2,491]

To say, about a youngster, that the relationship between manager and player has "taken a step back" sounds incredibly demotivating imo. We can only hope he's had a word in private to RLC assuring him these things happen and he still has trust in him. To doubt his injury in public too, not good to see.

I just don't see it as demotivating.

It sounds like tough love from Mourinho, if RLC wants to make the first team, he's gotta accept the challenge

[Jase 43,479]

To say, about a youngster, that the relationship between manager and player has "taken a step back" sounds incredibly demotivating imo. We can only hope he's had a word in private to RLC assuring him these things happen and he still has trust in him. To doubt his injury in public too, not good to see.

If that's the case, then why did he need to criticise him in the public, after a post-season friendly?

Anyway, this was what he said in full...

http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/06/final-whistle-verdict--full-of-respect.html

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was involved tonight, and the manager had some advice for the midfielder

‘Ruben said he had a pain in his back but what I was feeling was that he only had the pain when Sydney had the ball. When Chelsea had the ball he was playing very well, but when Sydney had the ball I think he was more impressed by watching Matic and Mikel work, instead of him working.

‘So, with Ruben, it’s one step back in terms of my relationship with him. If he doesn’t know what it is to play for me and Chelsea it’s one step back.

‘He has to learn that at 19 you have to run three times more than the others, you have to play to your limits and not play like a superstar with the ball at your feet because this is not Under-18s.

‘The Under-18 competition is too easy for him. He’s too good to play in the Under-18s but I don’t accept that when he’s playing in midfield with Mikel and Matic when we don’t have the ball he doesn’t press, doesn’t have intensity and he’s waiting for everybody else to recover the ball. I don’t accept that in the superstars so how can I accept that in a kid? He has to learn what it takes to play for us.’

[Sheva. 5,373]

"He has to learn that at 19 you have to run three times more than the others, you have to play to your limits and not play like a superstar with the ball at your feet because this is not Under-18s"

I cannot agree more.

[Jase 43,479]

"He has to learn that at 19 you have to run three times more than the others, you have to play to your limits and not play like a superstar with the ball at your feet because this is not Under-18s"

I cannot agree more.

No wonder Ivanovic couldn't be arsed to run a bit more and prevent crosses from coming in...

[Madmax 9,219]

Absolutely zero wrong with what he's said, imo.

[Blue Colored Sky 1,807]

Lol. If he wants hard-working kids then there is quick solution for this, he can choose either Musonda or Colkett, who both are pretty damn good at tracking back and defence. Though neither is 6"4'.

But nah, that's tough love treatment as you say. I remember that Varane hasn't had easiest time before. I didn't pick up Ruben's lack of effort so cannot confirm if there is really some substance to the assessment but it's clear as day to me that seems like stimulation process.

[CFC888 219]

Mourinho's clearly disappointed and it's slightly unsavory to see this out in the public, but to be fair he's bloody right. No special treatment because you're younger, you do what's expected of you, or you don't play.

I'm still certain there's a bit of mind games involved though, and I'm hoping RLC will take it the right way, take it as a challenge, and build from here. Time will tell.

[chrismada9 1,948]

Maybe are just mind games to motivate RLC...

Yeah I'd go with this.. take it with a pinch of salt, this is all gunpowder for RLC in hopes that he will motivate himself to be better. Maybe Mourinho is doing him a favour!

Jeffrey Bruma said, in an article I read yesterday.. that RLC and Solanke BOTH need to take their chances now.. while the iron is still hot, or it will never happen for them!

[Shakez 755]

Absolutely zero wrong with what he's said, imo.

It just the manner, through the media. And there is nothing Ruben can do for 2 months, chances are rare at Chelsea, unless you are an untouchable (Ivanovich, Oscar, Hazard,...). KDB, Mata, Luiz, Schürrle, Salah, Cuadrado,... There where clear signs early on that Mourinho didn't like them (except maybe Luiz who was immense in the big games), but they didn't fit his profile and we all know what happened to them.

[Mechromancer 262]

I don't see any love, guys. I don't remember something like this, actually. For Varane, for example, only flattery. "He's gonna be better than Blanc". Shit like that. The same for Morata, Casemiro, Fabinho, Nacho and Jose. Only good words.

[Madmax 9,219]

It just the manner, through the media. And there is nothing Ruben can do for 2 months, chances are rare at Chelsea, unless you are an untouchable (Ivanovich, Oscar, Hazard,...). KDB, Mata, Luiz, Schürrle, Salah, Cuadrado,... There where clear signs early on that Mourinho didn't like them (except maybe Luiz who was immense in the big games), but they didn't fit his profile and we all know what happened to them.

Oscar is far from untouchable, as his treatment in the second half of the season shows (not starting big games, getting pulled at HT in some). I don't even mind him being public -- imo it just reinforces to Ruben that if he can get praised to the high clouds in a press conference, he can get pulled down just as sharply. Keeps him on his toes. I'm not sure that this should be read as Mourinho somehow "not liking him" - let's face it, he has been given chances and hasn't yet taken them and this is a reminder to keep pushing himself, not take things for granted. I think Mourinho knows exactly what he's doing and is looking for a particular reaction that will completely convince him about Ruben's temperament, because the skill is obvious. A sort of a final frontier, if you will.

[Jase 43,479]

Someone has actually created a 'Lazy Loftus Cheek' account on Twitter...

[stroey 2,525]

Typical Mourinho mind games, this is not a message only to RLC. This message is indirectly to ALL the youngsters.

He's only using RLC to let the kids know, play on 200% or you won't get many chances.

For RLC, this is a test and prewarning for him. Jose is looking for a reaction in the preseason.

Otherwise, he will have his excuse ready to not use him like he promised.

[Mechromancer 262]

Otherwise, he will have his excuse ready to not use him like he promised.

My bet.