Thomas Tuchel (48) reacted “surprised” on New Year’s Eve morning to Romelu Lukaku’s public thoughts of a switch.
Lukaku had confessed to “SkySports” that he was “not happy” at Chelsea and publicly flirted with a return to Inter Milan. The interview is said to have taken place weeks ago, but was only published now. In view of the recent not exactly rosy sporting record (only one win from the last four league games), a side show at an inopportune time.
Blues coach Tuchel appeared baffled by his goal-scorer’s statements on Friday. “I don’t experience him as unhappy. I feel the exact opposite. That’s why I’m surprised,” the German coach said. “We don’t like it, of course. It brings disruptive noise which we don’t need and which is not helpful,” he criticised.
Possible consequences for Lukaku after the explosive statements should now be openly discussed internally. “We need a calm environment and we need to be focused, it doesn’t help,” Tuchel clarified.
For Chelsea, it’s all up to the wire, with the explosive chasing duel against Klopp’s Liverpool FC already waiting on Sunday. Given the current limited options on the offensive, it is not impossible that Tuchel will still play Lukaku against the Reds.
