Photo: DHSgov / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
Romeo Lavia completed 90 minutes as Chelsea defeated AC Milan 3-0 in a pre-season fixture at the GBK Stadium in Jakarta on Saturday, with the Belgian midfielder reflecting positively on his fitness and form heading into the new season.
João Pedro scored twice before Moisés Caicedo added a stunning third to secure the convincing win over Ruben Amorim's side. Lavia and Caicedo operated together in central midfield throughout the match.
"We're very happy to get the win and it was a good performance from the boys," Lavia said. "I was very happy to play the 90 minutes and I feel good. The confidence comes from all the work with all the people at the club, who have helped me get into a good position."
Lavia credited the club's support staff for his physical condition and praised new head coach Xabi Alonso, who replaced the previous manager ahead of the current pre-season programme.
"I'm very happy with how things have gone, the minutes I've played under Xabi and I'm excited for the season ahead," the No.45 added. "We are really enjoying working under the new manager, he has come in and implemented his ideas and we are all very happy with him."
The Chelsea squad is currently on a pre-season tour of Asia. Lavia highlighted the reception the squad received from supporters in Indonesia as a notable part of the trip.
"From the moment we arrived in Jakarta, we saw the love from the fans and we enjoyed every moment out there," Lavia said. "It's been like that at all the places we have played during this pre-season tour. It doesn't go unnoticed by the players."