Chelsea
youngster Ruben Loftus-Cheek says he will work hard to overcome the recent
criticism he received from manager Jose Mourinho.
Loftus-Cheek, who has been at Chelsea since under-eight level, was brought
off after 27 minutes of a post-match friendly against Sydney FC earlier this
month.
Mourinho was unhappy with his work-rate and claimed the pair's relationship
had taken 'one step back'.
"He has to learn that at 19 you have to run three times as much as the other
guys. I don't accept that in superstars and I don't accept that in a kid. He
has to learn what it takes to play for us," said the Portuguese after the
match.
But Loftus-Cheek claims the message has sunk in and he fully intends to take
on board his manager's observations.
"I listened to what the manager said and I wasn't at the level. I need to do
better if I want to play for Chelsea," said the 19-year-old.
"Hopefully I just need to have a good pre-season. I want to work really
hard. Chelsea is always hard to break into, but I believe in myself and if I
work hard then hopefully things will go well."
The teenager is currently with the England U21 squad at the European
Championships and insists his total focus at the moment is progressing as
far as he can with the national side in the Czech Republic.
"I am really happy with result against Sweden, to nick it at the end," said
Loftus-Cheek, who came off the bench to make his debut in Sunday's
group-stage win over the Swedes.
"Now we are in a good position to go far in the tournament, if we get the
win next game we can do well. I have settled in really well and the boys are
such nice lads, they have helped me settle in really well.
"This is my first Euros as an England player. It's really good for me, good
experience for me to take on in the future as well."
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