Comments by Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku that he was not happy with manager Thomas Tuchel’s system were “unintentional,” Tuchel said on Tuesday, adding that the player had apologized and resumed the coaching.
The Belgium international, 28, was left out https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/chelseas-lukaku-omitted-squad-face-liverpool-reports-2022-01-02 from the team for the 2-2 draw https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/chelsea-battle-back-draw-2-2-with-liverpool-2022-01-02 against Liverpool this weekend after saying to Sky Italy that he was not happy with the “situation” at Chelsea and would like to return to Italy in the future. “We gave him time to look back calmly. He apologized and is back with the squad for today’s practice,” Tuchel told reporters ahead of the semi-final first leg of the League Cup Wednesday at home against Tottenham Hotspur.
“For me, the most important thing was to understand – and to understand clearly – that it was not intentional. He did not do this intentionally to create that kind of noise in front of a big game.” In a video posted to the club’s website, Lukaku said he was sorry for the upheaval he caused.
“You know the connection that I have had with this club, since I was a teenager, so you know, I fully understand that you are upset,” he said. “Obviously it’s up to me now to restore your confidence and I’ll do my best to show my commitment every day on the training ground to make sure we win games… and also the manager to my teammates and the board because I don’t think it was a good time either. “
Lukaku signed for Chelsea from Inter Milan in the season finale for a record £ 97.5million ($ 131.83million). “He’s an emotional guy, he’s not holding back his opinion. It created a noise that you don’t want, but there is no doubt about his commitment to the team,” Tuchel added.
Fearing a reaction from the fans following Lukaku’s remarks, Tuchel said it was the player’s responsibility to “clean up the mess” but added that the club would take care of him. “Well he’s very aware of what happened and what he’s created but he can handle it… we’re happy he’s our player and we’ll protect him. strongly disagree, this is the team with everything we do, said the German.
Center-back Trevoh Chalobah will miss the game against Spurs after suffering a hamstring injury on Sunday, while defender Andreas Christensen and forward Timo Werner are both uncertain.
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