‘We’ve spoken twice, it’s too big’ — Tuchel finally reveals why he dropped Lukaku for Liverpool clash
One of the highlights before the game was Thomas Tuchel’s decision to drop star striker Romelu Lukaku following his controversial comment where he criticised the manager and the club in a recently released interview.
However, It was a thrilling 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening, as the Blues came from behind to draw with Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Speaking to the media before the game, Tuchel revealed that he had to drop Lukaku because of the noise surrounding the situation, and he also admitted that it was a difficult decision.
Asked why Lukaku is not in the squad, Tuchel told Sky Sports shortly before kick-off: “The thing got too big, the thing got too noisy, so close to the match, so I decided to protect the preparation of the match, so that is why he is out.”
Probed on whether he has spoken to the striker, Tuchel continued: “Yeah. Of course we have spoken, we’ve spoken twice, I’ve spoken to the main players, of course, but after that we had to realise it was too close to the match, it’s too big.
“We delayed the decision over what to do, but while we are delaying we have to protect the preparation of the match.
“We have a big game to play and we need full focus, which is hard to get even without this decision, but it was easier in my opinion if he is not in the squad, and that is why we did it.”
Tuchel added: “For sure it was a difficult decision, but in my opinion it was the decision to take.”