Lukaku’s Agent Points to Tuchel and Injury for Chelsea Struggles

Romelu Lukaku’s time at Chelsea was marked by disappointment, and his agent, Federico Pastorello, attributes much of that to a challenging relationship with manager Thomas Tuchel and an injury that hindered his performance. After a record transfer of £97.5 million from Inter Milan in 2021, expectations soared, particularly following Chelsea’s recent UEFA Champions League victory. Lukaku began promisingly, scoring on his debut against Arsenal, but his form quickly declined.

In his second spell at Chelsea, Lukaku struggled to find his place within the team, leading to a loan return to Inter Milan just a year after his arrival. Pastorello noted that Lukaku was often criticized as “lazy,” a label the striker vehemently rejects. Speaking to AS, Pastorello said, “No one could have foreseen Lukaku’s difficulties… rather in his relationship with the manager.”

Injuries and Management Dynamics

Lukaku’s prior success under coach Antonio Conte created a stark contrast with Tuchel’s management style, which contributed to his struggles. Pastorello explained, “He came from an almost father-son relationship with Conte, and that difference in approach conditioned him somewhat, along with the injury he sustained. If it hadn’t been for that, the story would have been different.”

Despite these challenges, Lukaku’s goal tally was not entirely underwhelming. He netted 15 goals in 44 appearances and played a role in Chelsea’s triumph at the Club World Cup. Nonetheless, for a player with such a hefty price tag, his performance fell short of expectations. Some matches saw him isolated, with instances like just eight touches against Crystal Palace highlighting his struggles to integrate into the team.

Potential Move to Real Madrid

Even during his difficult spells at Chelsea and Manchester United, Lukaku maintained a solid reputation in football. Pastorello revealed that there was interest from Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid at one point. He remarked, “I must be honest and say there was an opportunity… They were thinking of reinforcing the forward line, but they were already focused on the big signing of Kylian Mbappe for the following year.”

Ultimately, Lukaku’s second stint at Chelsea did not materialize as anticipated. His initial promise faded, revealing a disconnect with Tuchel’s vision for the team. As Lukaku moves forward in his career, his time at Chelsea serves as a reminder of the complexities that can shape a player’s journey in professional football.