Tuchel explains call to drop Lukaku from Chelsea squad

Will Ford
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel speaks to Romelu Lukaku

Thoms Tuchel has explained his decision to drop Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku from his squad for the clash with Liverpool.

Lukaku – who arrived at Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan in a deal worth £96million this summer – has been at the centre of controversy this week after he revealed in an interview that he was unhappy in his role at Stamford Bridge and stated his desire to return to the Italian side.


READ MORE: BT Sport failed us all on Arsenal v Manchester City


Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Lukaku said: “Physically I’m fine, even better than before.

“After two years in Italy, in which I worked a lot at Inter with trainers and nutritionists, I am physically fine.

“But I’m not happy with the situation, this is normal. I think the coach has chosen to play with another system, I just have to not give up and continue to work and be a professional.

“I am not happy with the situation, but I am a worker and I must not give up.”

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel admitted he was surprised and not pleased with Lukaku’s comments, claiming the striker brought unnecessary “noise” through the interview, which was recorded several weeks ago but aired on Thursday.

Tuchel’s thoughts led to speculation Lukaku may be left out for the visit of Liverpool and that proved to be the case, with Tuchel again citing “noise” as the reason behind his decision.

“It became too noisy, and so close to the match,” Tuchel told Chelsea’s 5th Stand app.

“So I decided to protect the preparation of the match and that is why he is out.

“Of course we have spoken, we have spoken twice and he has spoken to the lead players.

“And after that we had to realise it’s too close to the match and it’s too big.

“We need to protect the preparation of the match.

“We have a big match to play and we need full focus, which is anyway hard to get even with this decision but it is, in my opinion, easier.

“For sure it was a difficult decision to take but in my opinion it is the one to take.”