Search icon

Football

01st Jul 2018

Ruben Loftus-Cheek hits out at Chelsea for lack of opportunities

He'd better hope Antonio Conte is replaced soon

Darragh Murphy

All signs are pointing to Antonio Conte not being in charge of Chelsea next season and Ruben Loftus-Cheek better hope that he isn’t.

Loftus-Cheek is set to return to Stamford Bridge after a season-long loan spell at Crystal Palace but the midfielder has not minced his words about his treatment by Conte.

The England international has looked remarkably composed for a 22-year-old when representing the Three Lions in Russia this summer and it makes one wonder why he struggled to nail down a starting place in Chelsea’s midfield.

Loftus-Cheek has slammed Chelsea for failing to give opportunities to young players, before admitting that he doesn’t know what goes through the Blues management’s mind at times.

“It’s been so difficult to go from playing every game then get to the seniors and not be given a chance,” Loftus-Cheek said, as quoted by Sky Sports.

“It’s really difficult mentally, there’s only so long you just enjoy training with top players.

“From a year ago, I’ve improved so much from playing. A game situation is so, so, different.

“It’s hard to compare the faith of Gareth Southgate and Roy Hodgson and lack of Antonio Conte faith because Chelsea is a big club and managers are under pressure and maybe don’t want to take a chance on a young player.

“I don’t understand what’s going on behind the scenes fully.”