https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/ loftus-cheek-on-finding-form-and-fitness Loftus-Cheek on finding form and fitness 24 Oct 2022 Ruben Loftus-Cheek has said he feels as 'strong' as he has for a long time and puts his good form down to staying injury-free, being given a run of games and having the backing of Graham Potter. https://i.imgur.com/VwaAclE.jpg The Cobham graduate has featured regularly this season, with Loftus-Cheek being one of the first names on Potter's Chelsea team-sheet whether in central midfield or at right wing-back. The midfielder, who has spent time on loan at Crystal Palace and Fulham in recent years, spoke to the media ahead of our Champions League tie with RB Salzburg and pinpointed his recent success to feeling 'good' within himself. 'I'm very happy with the time I've had on the pitch,' Ruben told journalists present at the RB Arena. 'I'm feeling as strong and as quick and as fit as I've been for a long time. https://i.imgur.com/PO9g7wB.jpg Loftus-Cheek gets on the plane to Salzburg 'That's great because I missed a bit of pre-season but I worked hard [to get back fit] and I feel good now. No complaints.' The midfielder also praised Potter for the faith he's shown in him, revealing that he's had several conversations with the head coach since his arrival at Stamford Bridge. That faith in him is paying off on the pitch, with Ruben keen to repay Potter with more consistent performances as we continue in a busy period of fixtures against RB Salzburg on Tuesday evening, knowing a win will see us qualify for the knockout stage of the competition we won in 2020. 'I've had a few chats with the gaffer when he first came in,' added Ruben. 'We spoke about where he sees me playing and what he feels I can achieve. https://i.imgur.com/G9pzqHM.jpg Ruben has had several conversations with Potter 'It's good to discuss things and he explained his plans and where he sees me fitting in, which was nice to know. 'It felt very 'fresh' when he came in. He's had these sorts of chats with every player and I think all the lads are benefiting from these discussions, so it's very good for us. https://i.imgur.com/0Dsg6a9.jpg The midfielder will hope to start against Salzburg 'I feel like I'm in a moment in my career at Chelsea where I'm impacting games and I feel a big part of the squad, helping the team. 'That's not always been the case for me at Chelsea, for various reasons, but now I'm in the position it feels great. That's what I've wanted to feel since I was 17 or 18 and now I just want to kick on and keep hold of that feeling.' --------------------------------------------------------------------------- https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/news/ loftus-cheek-chelsea-world-cup-25345853 By Adam Newson, Chelsea correspondent - UPDATED 19:29, 24 OCT 2022 ˙You were spotted watching Andy Murray in the summer at Surbiton. Do you maybe feel kindred spirits with him, given you both have all the talent in the world but maybe haven't quite unlocked all of it? "I went to see him train and play at Surbiton. I am a big fan of tennis, so it was good to see him play. We had a chat while the Laver Cup was on, and it was good to understand how he sees himself and his career and the injuries that hindered him through it. He had a big one with his hip that he still struggles with a bit. https://i.imgur.com/Vq7T7G9.jpg "It was a good chat to compare our careers, and injuries have been a big part. I feel good now, physically strong and fit. Being injury free in the past couple of years has been a big part of that – I've never had that before in my career. It's a big positive for me, and it's why I'm on form right now." ˙Enjoying playing regularly as a central midfielder again in this Chelsea side alongside the likes of Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic? "It is a long while [since playing in central midfield regularly], like you said, since 2019. A lot has gone on between then and now. It is good playing with Jorginho and Mateo frequently and finding a balance with them, connecting with them, and getting a better understanding of how they play. We work off each other, and it's good playing with them this season. https://i.imgur.com/YkaoCSw.jpg "I feel good. It is the most I have played for Chelsea consistently, I think, which is another positive. When I am looking at my career, I am trying to pick up as many positives as I can because it has been tough for me. So I look to kick on and play as much as possible." ˙Have you done anything differently to stop the injuries, and what's it like changing formations under Graham Potter? "I haven't done anything different. Over my career, I have had injuries, but I have always tried to find out what my body needs and what I feel good with. I have built up a library of things I need to do to feel good. That has taken time, but I feel I know my body, what it needs and what it doesn't need. That's keeping me injury free and on the pitch. It's taken years, but I feel like I am in a good place right now. https://i.imgur.com/JatzkNs.jpg "Individually, it does not affect me [changing formation]. I am quite a versatile player, so if I need to tweak a position, I am comfortable with it. As a team, we are comfortable with it. We have some really good players who are used to it. We have to be able to adapt and change to a game, and if the manager asks us to do it, we do it to the best of our ability." ˙You played at the 2018 World Cup and played well. How much would it mean to go to Qatar, given everything you've been through over the past four years? "It would be amazing. It would mean a lot. As a player, after going into the 2018 World Cup, you see your trajectory to go upward and to be at the next World Cup if everything goes well. A lot has happened in between that time, and I am just happy and grateful that I am fit and healthy and playing football now consistently. https://i.imgur.com/2h5sSto.jpg "If I go to the World Cup, it would mean the world, but that is not at the forefront of my mind at the moment. We have some big games coming up that need our full focus. It would be selfish for me to think about my personal aspirations rather than the club at the moment." ˙Have the experiences of the last four years made you a tougher person? "The toughest side to it all has been the mental side to it. Even though I have had to put a lot of energy and work into the gym, physically, to get back to how I am feeling, the mental side of it — staying focused and diligent — and having the belief to get back to where I was, was the hardest thing. There are still lots of ups and downs. When you have belief in yourself, that is the only way to get there. I have always felt I could. I have always stayed diligent and tried to keep positive. That's the main thing." -- ＫＴＢＦＦＨ --

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