has warned his teammates not to underestimate Liverpool ahead of their Premier League clash on Tuesday night.
The in their first game since the sacking of , with set to take charge of the team.
Victory for Chelsea, currently 11th in the table, would move them to within a point of Liverpool who have struggled for form and consistency this season, and go into the game off the back of a woeful 4-1 defeat at Manchester City.
But Loftus-Cheek says his side must remain extra cautious given that Liverpool are always capable of springing a surprise – like they did against Manchester United a month ago when they won 7-0.
‘They haven’t been at their best like they have been for the last few years and the standard they’ve set is very high,’ the midfielder told .
‘Just like us they’ve had a bit of change. Not as much, but they’ve had some players go out, some important players for them in the last few seasons that have been a big factor in their success.
‘The likes of Sadio Mane and players like this. Sometimes you don’t realise how much of an effect they have on the team.
‘The games against Liverpool are always intense physically and a battle. The intensity is so high with all the teams, anyone can beat anyone.
‘It’s what happens in football but they’ve picked up their form recently. They can always just go out and beat Manchester United 7-0 and that’s how it is, so we always have to be prepared for teams like this.
‘They’re a huge club. I think playing for Chelsea you always want to win, but when you’re playing against other big teams you feel like they’re your rival.
‘You’ve always got this extra ambition, that little switch in mentality that you’re ready to bring your best physically and mentally. You always want to get the edge over them, the bragging rights, and of course three points.
‘The fans love these games and the atmosphere in the stadium is always big and loud and that helps us playing at home. As players we love to play in these games.
‘It’s the best games to play in when you’re playing other big teams and we’ll have to bring our best because they’ll likely want to beat us even more. But we enjoy these games the most so I’m ready for it.’
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