Some players believe he is looking for a move away from Chelsea
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly lacking support from his Chelsea teammates after he revealed he was unhappy at Stamford Bridge in an explosive interview.
The 28-year-old was dropped from the Blues’ squad for the Premier League clash against Jurgen Klopp’s side, with Chelsea coming back from 2-0 down to draw the entertaining game 2-2.
Lukaku has been at the centre of controversy after an interview was aired earlier this week, in which the striker revealed his unhappiness at Stamford Bridge and spoke of his love for former club Inter Milan.
Chelsea and manager Tuchel Thomas have taken a dim view of both the comments made and the timing of them, with both parties set to hold talks about the situation on Monday.
According to The Athletic, some Chelsea players believe that the Belgian striker is looking for a move away from the club.
The report also adds that there is ‘little support’ for Lukaku following the striker’s actions, with one source telling The Athletic: “I was speaking to one of the players and asked him if anyone was sticking up for Lukaku. He said no. None of them can believe he’s done it.”
Criticism for the former Inter Milan striker has been frequent ever since his interview was aired, with former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink slamming the forward for being ‘disrespectful’.
It is also reported that the West London club were completely in the dark about Lukaku’s interview taking place, with The Athletic adding that it bypassed the standard interview process implemented at the club.
Typically, interviews with players are given to rights holders or specific media outlets on request, and they usually occur at set times around matches and training. A member of the club’s press office tends to be present, with the entire process requiring authorisation.
However, in the case of Lukaku’s controversial interview, the club found out when everyone else did – when Sky Sport Italia released their teaser on Twitter. The Blues were reportedly shocked and confused, leading to an immediate inquest taking place to figure out how it was able to happen.
Despite the initial inquiries, internal disciplinary action has still not been ruled out.
Lukaku – who became the club’s record signing when he returned to the Bridge for £97.5million in the summer – has scored seven goals and grabbed two assists in 18 appearances this season.
Related links:
- Thomas Tuchel reveals he spoke with senior players before dropping Romelu Lukaku
- Romelu Lukaku ‘texts former teammate’ with cryptic update on his Chelsea future
- Gary Neville defends Romelu Lukaku following controversial interview
