Angry Tuchel vows to haul Lukaku in for showdown talks after Chelsea striker’s bombshell interview slamming club
THOMAS TUCHEL has responded to Romelu Lukaku's comments that he is 'not happy' at Chelsea, and promised showdown talks with the striker.
The £97.5million summer signing made the shocking admission yesterday, claiming he was unhappy with how things were panning out at Chelsea.
Speaking to the media this morning on Lukaku's interview, Tuchel said: "Yeah I don’t like it of course because it brings noise that we don’t need and it is not helpful.
"But on the other side we don’t want to make more of it than it actually is.
"You know very well how it is to take lines out of context, it is very easy to shorten lines, make headlines and then 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’s noise that we don’t need. We need a calm environment and focus and it does not help."
When asked if he had discussed matters with Lukaku, Tuchel added: "Not at all, I don’t feel him unhappy. I feel the exact opposite.
"If you had asked me yesterday morning I would say I feel the exact opposite, that’s why it is a surprise, but I am the wrong person to ask."
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He then said on wether matters would be kept behind closed doors: "If there is something it is behind closed doors, for sure."
And on potential disciplinary action, Tuchel vowed: "We will [take action].
"And we will do it behind closed doors, and we will do it openly, like I think the relation is and has always been, so no further comments in public on that."
Lukaku has scored five goals in eight Premier League starts for Chelsea since returning to the club in the summer.
His haul includes a fine header in his most recent outing, the 1-1 draw against Brighton on Wednesday.
"Tuchel has chosen to play with another system - I won't give up, I'll be professional.
"I am not happy with the situation but I am professional - and I can't give up now."
The 28-year-old also vowed to return to Inter before the end of his career.
Lukaku's first season back at Stamford Bridge has been hampered by injury, and the striker also recently contracted Covid-19.
But despite that the Belgium international is unhappy at the club, and clearly isn't a fan of Tuchel's 3-4-3 formation.
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