Ruben Loftus-Cheek has made a cracking start for his Chelsea redemption under Thomas Tuchel. We often praise the players but it is worth noting that coaching plays an extremely crucial part in a player’s performance. Since arriving, Thomas Tuchel has changed the minds of Chelsea fans by significantly improving the performances of Antonio Rudiger, Jorginho, N’golo Kante, and Callum Hudson-Odoi at one point.
When trying to figure out just what the German’s secret is, we look to formation changes, the use of the double sixes however the secret seasoning to the meal is a change in motivation. The shift in mentality has been noted the second he stepped foot into his first press conference for the Blues in January. He comes with a winning mindset and he installs it in all the players. Even those who are not certain to start such as Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
An insider told the Athletic:
“Ruben walked across and Tuchel said something along the lines of, ‘You are special. I cannot believe you haven’t played more for Chelsea’. It was a great thing for him to hear.”
Just as I thought it would be impossible to adore our new Manager, even more, he goes and gives Loftus-Cheek the motivation that could just turn his career around.
We never want to overestimate the heights Ruben Loftus-Cheek could reach within his career as he is susceptible to injury, however, we have witnessed him at his very best during his time under ex Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri.
The common denominator between the German and Italian coaches is their trust in the 25-year-old’s ability. In the 2018/19 season, Sarri took to the press about how important Loftus-Cheek was for Chelsea during his time:
“Loftus, he’s a very important player. He’s improved a lot during the season,” he said. “When he’s at the top, physically, for us he’s a very important player”.
Having played four games under Tuchel, Loftus-Cheek is oozing with confidence. Coming back from an Achilles rupture is never an easy task. Players can suffer from a lack of confidence on the ball and may take some time before they can fully recover.
Taking time away from Stamford Bridge to spend time with Chelsea’s neighbours, Fulham has helped him in reclaiming that confidence.
A source tells the Athletic:
“Going to Fulham didn’t go the way he wanted, but he got what he needed from it: playing games.”
Game time and confidence is the recipe to Loftus-Cheek’s redemption. This is not the first time that Thomas Tuchel has expressed admiration towards the midfielder. Earlier within the year, Tuchel likened him to ex Chelsea player Michael Ballack. Speaking ahead of their clash against Fulham in April last season, Tuchel said:
“I don’t know why things have not worked out as he wished but now he is doing good, leaving his footprints there [at Fulham] – I cannot judge him from TV and hearsay, I love to work with players then to give my opinion.”
Now that he has worked with the player, it’s safe to say the verdict is out.
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It is still a long way to go until the end of the season. His future in the team is still not yet set in stone as he still has to prove that there will be no need to go after more midfield targets next in next summer’s transfer window.
Following the Athletic’s source, Tuchel is amused by the fact that Loftus-Cheek did not play more for Chelsea. We can only assume that this will change under his reign.
What do you think of Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s recent form Follow our new CareFreeChelsea Writer/Presenter Anita Abayomi on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.