Thomas Tuchel has urged Romelu Lukaku to be like Timo Werner if he wants to become a regular starter at Chelsea.
Lukaku has failed to live up to expectations after his big-money move from Inter Milan to Chelsea.
The Belgian has fallen out with Thomas Tuchel after a controversial interview with Sky Sports criticizing the German coach for playing him out of position.
Because of a combination of poor form and injuries, Lukaku has started just twice in the last two months. he is currently injured and is doubtful for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final Clash with Crystal Palace.
Timo Werner used to be in the same situation as Lukaku but the German Striker has turned the Situation around and has now featured in five of the last seven games – scoring three goals in the process.\
Speaking ahead of the FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace, Thomas Tuchel has urged Lukaku to learn from Timo Werner and turn the situation around and win back his spot at Chelsea.
What was said?
‘What Timo has done is exactly what [Lukaku] needs to do. Wait, be patient, work hard and put the team first, be ready to help the team, because as a striker you can help within seconds,’
‘Now [Werner] has made it difficult to leave him out. I’m impressed, he was very, very good in the last two games. These were two games when he was much better than in any other game and he showed what he is capable of. Everybody thinks we as managers do the line-up, and of course, we do.
‘But in the end, the players take care that you don’t leave them out, they do it in training or games, and of course, in games, it’s an opportunity for everybody.’
Tuchel understands that a striker’s fortunes can change in a matter of seconds, and he believes it’s all about embracing opportunities when they present themselves.
The German said: ‘Especially for strikers, things can be turned around in minutes, in moments. Whole careers can be upside down and in any direction but always as a striker, you can have a chance to put things in your favor.
He did in the last two games and that’s what we want from him. It’s what he needs to show and then he takes care that he plays.’
Romelu Lukaku season Stat
| Competition | Matches Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 20 | 5 | 1 |
| Champions League | 6 | 2 | 1 |
| FA Cup | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| EFL Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Club World Cup | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 36 | 12 | 2 |