“It’s not down to Tuchel, he’s responsible for his own poor form” – Jamie Carragher blasts Chelsea star after failing to make impact in Chelsea 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid
Following Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Realm Madrid, Jamie Carragher believes Romelu Lukaku is responsible for his own struggles at Chelsea this season.
However, Lukaku has endured a tough spell since returning to Stamford Bridge last summer for a club-record £97.5 million. His steep drop-off in form, combined with injuries and off-field issues, has seen Thomas Tuchel relegate him to the bench in recent weeks.
The Belgian was a substitute once again during the first leg of the Blues’ UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Real Madrid on Wednesday (April 6). Lukaku was brought on in the 64th minute in place of Christian Pulisic with his team down 3-1 and desperately in search of a goal.
He received a glorious chance to score just five minutes later when Cesar Azpilicueta sent a deflected cross into the box. Lukaku was unmarked and in an excellent position but guided his header wide of the post.
Speaking after the match, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards stated on CBS Sports Golazo that Lukaku doesn’t feel “loved” at Chelsea. However, Carragher, who was also on the show, responded that the Belgian’s poor form had nothing to do with the manager.
The former Liverpool centre-back said (as quoted by the Daily Mail): “It’s not down to the manager, it’s down to Lukaku. It’s not about the love from a manager. You spend £100million on a player to make a difference in these games, and he can’t even get in the team.”
Carragher added: “I don’t question the manager at all in that situation. This thing about needing love… just go and play well.”