29 July 2023 , 17:22
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AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has opened up on his early impressions of two former Chelsea teammates who made the move to San Siro this summer.
It was a season to forget at Stamford Bridge for Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic last term as the pair played largely reduced roles as the club finished in a lowly 13th place in the Premier League. Their woes were only compounded when Mauricio Pochettino was installed as the Blues' new manager, as the Argentine soon deemed the duo to be surplus to requirements.
Midfielder Loftus-Cheek was the first to depart for the Rossoneri back in June, joining a contingent of players who have swapped Chelsea for the seven-time champions in recent times. He was then joined by flying winger Pulisic earlier this month, with the USMNT talisman also looking to rebuild his career in Italy.
The pair have featured in games during pre-season for their new employers, with Pulisic even notching a couple of assists on his unofficial debut for Milan. The former Borussia Dortmund man laid on two goals against Lumezzane before supplying ammunition once more against Real Madrid.
Likewise, Loftus-Cheek has featured on occasion for last season's Champions League semi-finalists during pre-season, making an appearance versus Lumezzane. On top of this, he was able to get some some minutes in the tank as the team toured the US in matches against the likes of Real Madrid.
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Head coach Pioli has been impressed with the application of his new recruits over the course of this summer, while also remarking on the chemistry between the pair from their time together at Stamford Bridge. Of course, former Blues stars Fikayo Tomori and Olivier Giroud already turn out for the San Siro outfit.
He said: "His (Christian Pulisic) physical condition is improving, we’ve only been working for two weeks. He can play on the right, left or on the frontline, he’s intelligent and has quality.
Ruben Loftus Cheek and Christian Pulisic of AC Milan have made a good impression so far at the San Siro outfit (Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images) (Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images)"He (Ruben Loftus-Cheek) and Pulisic have been teaming up for only a few days, but they have features that fit together well. I’m happy with how they are moving, they need time to adjust. They are mature players who, however, change opponents, league and teammates. Of course, there are many things we can do better."
Pulisic may already be making his mark on the pitch for his new club but it is also clear that the winger's move to the Serie A giants has captured the imaginations of supporters around the world. His new employers have already seen sales of shirts skyrocket following his arrival in Italy, with purchases from America having increased exponentially.
Milan will round off their tour of the US with a blockbuster exhibition clash versus Barcelona at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas as the team prepares for the new season. The duo will likely make their full debuts for their new club in an away game against Bologna in Serie A on August 21.