Football
Jeff Carlisle, U.S. soccer correspondent 8y

Matt Miazga denies any loan plans as Conte confirms talks after U.S. tour

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Chelsea and U.S. international defender Matt Miazga said he hasn't heard anything about a plan to send him out on loan, and that he's staying focused on preseason with Chelsea.

Manager Antonio Conte said that he'll make a decision about Miazga when the team returns from its U.S. tour.

Miazga was an unused substitute in Saturday's 3-2 defeat to Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup, marking the second consecutive ICC game that he didn't get on the field.

When asked during his postgame news conference if Miazga would remain with Chelsea this season, Conte said: "About [Miazga's] situation, I prefer to speak with the club.

"With the club, we are agreed that after this period, and after I have seen the situation with the players, we must take together the right decision for the player, for the club. It's important this."

Miazga said that he feels preseason is going well and that he's just looking for an opportunity to play, adding that he has improved his communication and on-field awareness since moving to Chelsea last January.

Miazga made two appearances for the Blues following his transfer, but with Conte taking over this season, now comes the challenge of adjusting to the Italian's way of doing things. Miazga said this is an ongoing process.

"There's different philosophies and methods; attacking philosophies and the way we're defending, our shape and all that stuff," he said.

"We're working hard to fulfill that philosophy and continue to work. It's preseason, so there's obviously going to be some moments where we can improve."

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