Transfer Centre

Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea "don't like" Romelu Lukaku comments on future

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 31 December 2021

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admits that he is disappointed with Romelu Lukaku's comments regarding his future, despite acknowledging they have been taken out of context

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has acknowledged that he is disappointed with Romelu Lukaku taking the opportunity to suggest that he is unhappy at Stamford Bridge.

On Thursday evening, it emerged that the forward had told Sky Sport Italia that he was frustrated with his current situation at Chelsea, claiming that he held a desire to return to Inter Milan in the not-so-distant future.

However, it later emerged that the interview had taken place several weeks ago, a time when the 28-year-old had just returned from injury and was spending time on the substitutes' bench.

Despite putting what the summer arrival said into context, Tuchel has admitted that he and Chelsea 'did not like' the Belgian's outburst, particularly with no discussions over his happiness being held before the interview.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: "We don't like it. It brings noise that we don't need and is not helpful. On the other side, we don't want to make more out of it than it actually is.

"You know very well how it is. It is very easy to take lines out of context. It is very easy to shorten lines to make headlines, and later realise that it is not so bad and maybe not what he meant.

"But, let's be honest, we don't like it. I don't like it because it is noise we don't need. We need a calm environment and focus, and that does not help."

Lukaku has since returned to the starting lineup, scoring in each of his last three starts since December 8.