Chelsea could finally offload Romelu Lukaku. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Thomas Tuchel has given his reasons why Romelu Lukaku was dropped to the bench against Lille in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie. The decision certainly paid dividends as his side saw off the Ligue 1 champions by a 2-0 scoreline at Stamford Bridge.
Lukaku was on the back of a horrendous performance against Crystal Palace in the Premier League. Hakim Ziyech saved us via a late winner in a game where the ex-Inter Milan striker recorded the lowest number of touches in a PL game since Opta started keeping a record of the stat.
Speaking in the post-match presser (h/t Football.London), Tuchel revealed that the 28-year-old Lukaku is physically and mentally drained, which did not suit the demanding tactics they employed against the French side.
“Every game is different. The focus today was on intensity, a high-speed game, hard work against the ball. Romelu is not only physically tired but mentally tired. Since the Liverpool game, he has started every match for us and played some extra time. It was not the moment after the match where everybody was focused on his touches. It wasn’t the moment to put him in the fire, it was a moment to take a step back.”
The German manager hinted that his decision was also partly influenced by the reaction to Lukaku’s display against Palace. He wanted to take some heat off the Belgian international’s back and give him a breather. Interestingly enough, the forward did not feature in the post-match training sessions as well, a decision which Tuchel attributed to the Blues’ fitness department.
Perhaps, Chelsea’s record signing could use some time off to reflect on his shortcomings with the West London club. That could help him overcome the adversity that he has had to face since leaving Inter Milan last summer. With the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool soon to follow, it remains to be seen if the former Manchester United hitman can secure a start this weekend.
Kai Havertz has certainly made his mark playing as the lone striker yesterday. He enjoyed a solid game against the French champions and would certainly warrant a start in the showpiece occasion on Sunday.
He started our 2-2 draw against the 2019 UEFA Champions League winners at Stamford Bridge this season when Lukaku was unavailable, and a repeat of that would not be the most surprising thing we see on the teamsheet.
Then again, with Ziyech picking up an issue against the Ligue 1 holders, Lukaku could get his chance to fight back to get into the starting lineup. It will be interesting to see how this situation develops in the build-up to the highly anticipated League Cup final.
The Blues have won the League Cup 5 times in their history, with the latest triumph coming in 2015.
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