STEFANO PIOLI EXPLAINS DECISION TO BENCH RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK FOR MILAN VS LECCE

Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has, on Saturday, provided an insight into his decision not to start Ruben Loftus-Cheek for the club’s meeting with Lecce.

The name of midfielder Loftus-Cheek has of course proven a prominent one on the red half of the Milan divide across the week to date.

This comes after the summer arrival at San Siro enjoyed a sensational performance in the middle of the park, en route to the Rossoneri’s 2-1 Champions League downing of Paris Saint-Germain.

RLC has since come in for widespread praise from the Milan faithful, many of whom were seemingly aware of just what a difference-maker the former Chelsea man can be when firing on all cylinders.

In turn, it no doubt proved something of a disappointment when word was forthcoming that Loftus-Cheek would not be starting on Saturday, in the club’s Serie A clash with Lecce.

Stefano Pioli instead opted for a midfield trio of Rade Krunić, Tommaso Pobega, and Tijjani Reijnders.

Speaking to DAZN (via MilanReports) ahead of kick-off at the Stadio Via del Mare, Milan’s headmaster was therefore drawn on the reasoning behind Loftus-Cheek dropping to the bench.

And Pioli went on to confirm that the decision came as a result of simple caution, with the 27-year-old fresh off a lengthy spell on the sidelines:

“Ruben was coming back after 40 days out and he had an exceptional performance in every way. He is with us in the squad, but unlikely to feature.“