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Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel says Romelu Lukaku has apologised for last week’s controversial interview.
Lukaku was dropped for Sunday’s draw with Liverpool.
Tuchel said today: “We have given it time to look calmly back on. He apologised and is back in the squad for today’s training.
“For me, the most important thing was to understand – and clearly understand – it was not intentional. He did not do this intentionally to create this kind of noise in front of a big game.
“Even before, when he seemed to be, in his opinion, ready to play after his injury from the start and we thought he needed to readapt to the intensity a little bit more, there was never the slightest behaviour against the team.
“So, it was the very first time that he felt in this way. It’s very important points to understand and stay calm and understand it’s not that big as maybe people want it to be.
“It’s also not small, but it’s small enough to stay calm, accept an apology and to move on forward.”
Tuchel agrees that Lukaku’s comments were a bit confusing, given that the 28-year-old had said he was “committed” to the club.
“That’s why it was so surprising to me,” said Tuchel. “Because he was on his way and he scored against Aston Aston Villa and the next game.
“He was there and decisive and we had the feeling that it was really a new start after injury and Covid.
“So, that why it was a big surprise.”
Tuchel says Lukaku “does not hold back in his opinions”.
“Credit to him for that,” adds Tuchel. “Sometimes he wears his heart on his sleeve but we should not blame him and focus on the negative side of it.
“We have to adapt to it and yes, it created some noise – which normally you absolutely don’t want.
“But there are zero doubts in his commitment to the team and to the club.”