Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is reportedly considering benching Romelu Lukaku for his explosive Sky Italia interview ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool. In the controversial chat, the Belgian appeared to criticise Tuchel's tactics and revealed his desire to return to Inter Milan.
To repair his relationship with Inter's fanbase, Lukaku agreed to an interview three weeks ago that aired on Thursday.
His £97.5million move to Stamford Bridge enraged Serie A fans. But the car crash interview has enraged Chelsea fans.
It was not the right time to leave Inter, so it bothers me how I left the club and communicated with Inter fans.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is reportedly considering benching Romelu Lukaku for his explosive Sky Italia interview ahead of a crucial Premier League clash with Liverpool. In the controversial chat, the Belgian appeared to criticise Tuchel's tactics and revealed his desire to return to Inter Milan.
To repair his relationship with Inter's fanbase, Lukaku agreed to an interview three weeks ago that aired on Thursday.
His £97.5million move to Stamford Bridge enraged Serie A fans. But the car crash interview has enraged Chelsea fans.
It was not the right time to leave Inter, so it bothers me how I left the club and communicated with Inter fans.
"Now is the time to express myself. I've always said I'll always have Inter in my heart: I know I'll return, I hope so. I'm in love with Italy, and now is the time to tell the truth.
It's been a long time coming, but I'd love to return to Inter and win more titles with them. My apologies to the Inter fan, my timing was off: "What you did for me will never fade."
Lukaku may be rested against Liverpool on Sunday, according to Goal. Both teams are 11 points behind Pep Guardiola's Manchester City, but Tuchel appears willing to make an example of Lukaku by omitting him despite the striker being one of his most important players.
Tuchel was questioned about the interview during his pre-match press conference on Friday.
"We don't like it because it makes unnecessary noise and isn't helpful." "On the other hand, we don't want to oversell it," the 48-year-old said.
In the case of a headline, it's very easy to take lines out of context, shorten lines, and then realize it's not what he meant.
"But let's be honest, we don't like it because it's too loud; we need quiet and focus."
No, I don't think [he's] unhappy about the interview. I'm the opposite.
In fact, I'd say the opposite if you asked me Thursday morning. To me, it is a surprise, but I am not the right person to ask."
Lukaku was recovering from an ankle injury at the time of the interview. He rejoined Chelsea before contracting COVID-19.
He has two goals in his last two games for Manchester United and Everton.
To quote Lukaku, "I'm not happy with the situation and that's only natural."
"The head coach has changed the system and I must keep working hard and being professional."
-7msport
