Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel said today, Friday, that the statements made by his team's striker, Romelu Lukaku, in which he said he was not satisfied with the conditions at the London club, were "inappropriate" and would have a negative impact.
Lukaku told Sky TV in Italy that he was unhappy at the club under the leadership of German coach Tuchel, and expressed his hope to return to his former club Inter Milan in the future.
"Of course we do not like these statements because they would bring unwanted clamor and they are inappropriate, but we do not want to give them more than their size," Tuchel told reporters before his team's meeting with Liverpool next Sunday in the English Premier League.
"We can look into the matter and understand what is going on because it does not reflect the daily work and behavior and attitudes of Romelu here, and any matters can be discussed behind the scenes if necessary," Tuchel added.
Lukaku left Inter Milan in August and returned to Chelsea for a second term in a club record deal worth 97.5 million pounds ($131.46 million).
Tuchel also touched on the condition of defender Ben Chilwell, who underwent surgery this week after suffering a knee ligament injury last November, and defender Reese Williams, who was also injured during the middle of this week in his team's match with Brighton & Hove Albion.
"Of course (Chilwell) has had surgery and the best wishes for him. We hope he gets back to the team as soon as possible. Unfortunately, his season may be over," Tuchel said.
The German coach added, "Reiss has a hamstring injury. We will know more details as some test results come out today."
Chelsea, who is in second place, 8 points behind the leaders, Manchester City, the defending champion, will meet their guest, Liverpool, who is in third place, next Sunday.
Liverpool is one point behind Chelsea.