Ruben Loftus-Cheek addressed the media ahead of Chelsea's Champions League opener with RB Salzburg on Tuesday.
Chelsea travel to the Red Bull Arena on Tuesday evening knowing a win will guarantee progression into the Champions League knockouts.
Graham Potter’s side can still progress even if they draw, but AC Milan have to lose in order for Chelsea’s spot in the Champions League knockouts to be confirmed.
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Loftus-Cheek has been heavily involved since Potter arrived at Chelsea and will be itching to get another chance in the side on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old has already made 14 appearances this season in all competitions, including a start and 79 minutes against Manchester United on Saturday evening which ended in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
“We want to be solid as a team first, that's the foundation going forward,” admitted Loftus-Cheek to the official Chelsea website following the draw.
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“You want to be good defensively and then on top of that have a freedom and a flow to go and score goals and create. That's the next step.”
READ MORE: Confirmed 21-man travelling Chelsea squad for Champions League clash vs RB Salzburg
Here is what Ruben Loftus-Cheek said on Monday evening ahead of the Champions League clash in Austria.
Playing time and fitness
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"Very happy with the time I've got on the pitch. I'm feeling the strongest, fittest, quickest I've been, which is great because I missed a bit of pre-season, but I worked hard and I feel good. No complaints."
Graham Potter conversations
"When he first came in, we had a few chats on where he sees me playing, what he thinks I can achieve. It's good to have that chat, you know where you see yourself. It gives you a good platform to work and perform.
"Every player is benefiting from those chats because it gives you an idea of where you are."
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Playing influential role in side
"I feel I am at a moment in my career and Chelsea where I'm impacting games and feeling a big part of the team. It's not always been that way, for various reasons. It's a feeling I've been wanting to feel since 18. I want to kick on and keep hold of it."
Speaking to Andy Murray about injuries and comparing careers
"I went to see Andy train and play. I'm a big fan of tennis. We had a chat, it was good to see how he sees his career and the injuries he's carried. It was a good chat to compare our careers... injuries have been a big part. But now I feel good..."
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Playing consistently in midfield for first time since Maurizio Sarri’s tenure
"It's a long while since 2019, a lot has gone on. It's good to play with Jorgi and Mateo frequently and finding a balance and connecting with them, and getting a better understanding of how they play.
"I feel good, it's the most I've played for Chelsea consistently which is another positive. I look to kick on and play as much as possible."
How he is staying injury free
"I haven't done anything different. Over my career I've had injuries but I've always tried to find out what my body needs to stay injury free. I've built up a library of things I need to feel good."
Impact of Graham Potter changing formations during the game:
"For me, individually it doesn't affect me. I'm quite versatile, if I need to change position or tweak a position, I am comfortable with it. As a team, we are comfortable with it.
"We've got some really good players that are used to it. We are top players that need to adapt, if the manager asks then we have to do it to the best of our ability."
Having a chance of making World Cup squad following 2018 inclusion
"It would be amazing, it would mean a lot. As a player going to the 2018 World Cup, you see your trajectory, to be at the next World Cup if everything goes well. A lot has happened in that time.
"I'm grateful I'm fit, playing consistently. That's all I can ask for. If I go (to the World Cup), it would mean the world. But that's not at the forefront of my mind.
"We've got some big games coming up, it would be selfish to think of my personal aspirations over the club's at the moment."
Dealing with injury setbacks
"The tougher side has been the mental side to [the injury]. Even though I've had to put a lot of energy into the gym, and physically, the mental side of it to stay diligent and focused and having belief was the hardest thing.
"There is still a lot of ups and downs, good then not so good. The only way to get there is having belief in yourself.”
Topics: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Chelsea, Red Bull Salzburg, Champions League, Football
Matthew Debono