‘What Timo has done is exactly what he needs to do’
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has suggested Romelu Lukaku needs to be like Timo Werner if he wants to regain a spot in the starting XI.
The Belgium international has endured a difficult time at Stamford Bridge since making a £97million return to the club last summer.
However, Tuchel has suggested that the 28-year-old can win back a place in the team through patience and hard work – and playing like fellow striker Werner.
Tuchel says Lukaku needs to play like Werner
The former Inter Milan frontman has started just twice in the last two months, having missed nine games through injury this season.
On the other hand, Werner – who has started five of the last seven games, scoring three goals – has improved his form in recent weeks.
“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,” Tuchel said.
“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 in games, and of course in games it’s the opportunity for everybody.”
Tuchel when asked if Lukaku needed to take his chance like Werner has:“For sure. He had a huge chance against Real Madrid & things can go so fast. Nobody knows what this goal would have done for us if he had taken his chance with the late header in the first leg.” [Guardian] #cfc
— CFCDaily (@CFCDaily) April 16, 2022
The German also believes that a forward’s luck can change in an instance, and that it is about seizing the opportunities when they arise.
He added: “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 into your favour.
“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.”
Lukaku set for his return?
Lukaku has scored 12 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions this season. The striker could potentially return for the Blues’ FA Cup semi-final clash with Crystal Palace later today (Sunday 17 April).
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