‘Why I can’t defend Lukaku this time’ – Tuchel reveals after Lukaku’s poor performance against Crystal Palace
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku had just seven touches of the ball in the 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Incredibly, Lukaku only had two touches of the ball in the first half – one of which was from kick-off – and only managed another five in the second half despite Chelsea pressing for a winner.
Reacting to Lukaku’s performance against Crystal Palace, Tuchel insisted the striker should be blamed for his lack of involvement against Crystal Palace.
Asked by beIN SPORTS about Lukaku only having seven touches, and whether the formation was to blame, Tuchel shrugged his shoulders and replied bluntly: “No. No, it’s not about system.”
Asked to elaborate on Lukaku’s display, Tuchel continued: “Well it is what it is. But it is for him no change of system because it’s the same attacking structure.
“We always attack in a 4-1, it’s just for the build-up sometimes we build-up in a 3-2 and sometimes in a 4-1. For him it changed nothing.”
Asked why Lukaku struggled in his post-match press conference, Tuchel added: “I’m not so sure if I have a good answer for your question, I don’t know. Obviously he was not involved and could not make a point today. I’m not sure if it says so much about us in general.”