Thomas Tuchel sets challenge for Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Posted by  badge Boss on Apr 16, 2022 - 10:07AM
Thomas Tuchel insists Ruben Loftus-Cheek can still be a major part of his first team plans (Picture: Getty)

is adamant boasts the talent to become a regular part of his first team plans at .

The 26-year-old has endured something of a rollercoaster career which has been hampered by injuries and interrupted by a number of loan spells.

Loftus-Cheek, a key member of the England squad which reached the 2018 semi finals, appeared likely to be deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge this season, but his versatility has proven to be of huge benefit to his manger.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek put in a superb display against Real Madrid in midweek (Picture: Getty)

The elegant midfielder put in another impressive display in the Bernabeu on Tuesday evening and Tuchel insists the challenge for Loftus-Cheek is to demonstrate consistency and refuse to ‘accept his limits’.

He said: ‘It is not a matter of over confidence; it is the opposite,” said Tuchel, ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Crystal Palace at Wembley on Sunday.

‘He needs to feel confidence in his body and in his ability to do this not once, twice, but three, four, 10, 20 times in a row.

‘And the next step is to do it three times in a row, because he was excellent against Southampton and Madrid.

‘It is little steps. It might sound like far too little steps because of his potential and what is in there.’

‘The only way is to grow in confidence and become the player he can be.

‘Self-confidence does not come from being big and tall and good looking. It comes from experience. I still have the feeling that Ruben is a bit surprised that he can do 105 minutes or 110 minutes in this kind of position.

‘He needs to re-impose that. He can do it in training but needs to do it in games which are very different. I don’t think he is fully aware of what he can produce, what he can physically give.

‘He is still in the situation where he accepts limits too early. He is used to that and this is where we are. We will keep on pushing.’

.

 and .