Mourinho urges Loftus-Cheek: Fulfill your “big talent”

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has urged young midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek to fulfill his “big talent” after a perceived lacklustre display recently.

Loftus-Cheek came under fire from Mourinho last week with what the Portuguese coach claimed was a lethargic performance in the post-season friendly win over Sydney.

Captain John Terry backed his manager’s assessment of the 19-year-old, and the Blues boss is desperate to see the youngster – whom he previously tipped for a big role in his first-team plans next season – fulfill his potential.

“When you have a big talent, you cannot waste your talent,’ he told the Sunday Times. “I’m lucky to have people like Ivanovic, Terry and Petr Cech and all these guys I took to Thailand and Australia.

“For some reason, these guys could reach the level they did and play the last friendly game of the season, 24 hours flight distance from London, very tired and still compete for a result.

“(Loftus-Cheek) cannot waste his talent by not wanting to give everything he can.”