Ruben Loftus-Cheek has attempted to justify Maurizio Sarri’s decision to take him off late in our semi-final triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Loftus-Cheek scored the opening goal on the night and has recently established himself as a key figure in the Chelsea squad, having struggled to do so earlier in the season.
Sarri’s decision to withdraw him towards the end of the 90 minutes was met with a chorus of boos from around Stamford Bridge, with the fans clearly unimpressed.
Loftus-Cheek himself does not appear to have a problem with his withdrawal, however. He’s quoted by the Daily Mail saying:
“The fans obviously didn’t like it but I tried to lift them, because we didn’t need that atmosphere here, but it’s all for a good reason.”
“I’ve played a lot in these last few weeks, more than I’ve done in my career. So I think I have to pay attention to my body and take care of myself, because I don’t want another injury.”
“When I feel that I’m a liability to the team, because I was getting cramp in my hamstrings just before I came off, and the minute I feel if I sprint it could go or I won’t be able to spring as fast as I can, then it’s just the right decision to put some fresh legs on.”
Ruben has a chronic back issue which needs to be cared for in the manner that Sarri has done in recent weeks. Booing the decision to protect our player is laughable.
The Stamford Bridge crowd have often opted to prioritise opposing Sarri over supporting the team this term. It’s counterproductive – and they have to realise the nonsensical nature of their actions.
