Loftus-Cheek insists Milan squad have ‘a lot of confidence’ in Amorim and explains personal growth

AC Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek believes that he and the dressing room believe more in Ruben Amorim than they did Massimiliano Allegri.

Thursday night’s game marks a return to England for Loftus-Cheek, who has a past with Chelsea in addition to loan spells with Fulham and Crystal Palace. In his seven previous meetings with Bournemouth he has won four, drawn two and lost one, without a goal or assist.

Milan have won five out of nine games this season so far and two of three since the break. The 4-0 rout of RB Salzburg last week got the European campaign going after the round one loss to Benfica, while beating Atalanta 3-2 at San Siro on Sunday saw the Rossoneri climb into the top four.

The Diavolo face a Bournemouth side who underwent big changes in the summer and recorded their first league win at the weekend two, but they have taken six points from six (vs. Real Sociedad and Sturm Graz) in their maiden European campaign.

Amorim meets the English media again

Loftus-Cheek spoke to the reporters who gathered at the Vitality Stadium for his press conference. MilanNews relayed the questions and the responses from the Englishman, who sat alongside head coach Ruben Amorim.

Are you a dressing room leader given your experience?

“I have a lot of experience now, thanks for mentioning my age (laughs). I feel a responsibility on the pitch, to bring my experience. These are the games when you have to bring it onto the pitch, especially because it will be a big match, with a very passionate stadium. I want to help the team as much as possible.”

You left Chelsea three years ago: how much have you changed on and off the pitch?

“I think I’ve improved as a person and as a player. The league is different. I’m enjoying my experience in Italy, learning the language, the different culture. So I’ve grown a lot as a person.”

Do you have ambitions of returning to the national team?

“It’s not the first thought on my mind. Milan deserves my full focus. We have a lot of matches in this period, we’re a great team, we have the pressure to win games. If I play well, the opportunity to return to the national team will come.”

How is Ruben Loftus-Cheek feeling today?

“Throughout my career, I’ve had problems with injuries. It’s been my big challenge to feel good season after season. I think I have to accept the way my body is, but I have to feel better mentally.

“I’m playing with confidence in my abilities. I feel good today, I feel good when I’m on the pitch. I give 100% for the team, for my team.”

What’s changed compared to last year?

“I think we have a lot of confidence this year – in the coach, in ourselves, and in achieving something. The whole team is united, and I feel it in the dressing room at Milanello. I feel like we all want to achieve something and improve. There are obviously things we need to improve on.”