Tuchel states why he dropped Lukaku against Liverpool

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed why he withdrew Romelu Lukaku from the squad that faced Liverpool on Sunday.

The Blues finished the game in a 2-2 draw.

According to the German coach, the lanky striker was dropped from the squad over his midweek comments, saying it had created too much of a distraction.

In his inflammatory interview with Sky Sport Italia, the 28-year-old announced he was unhappy with his role in Tuchel’s system at Stamford Bridge and stated that he would like to return to Inter Milan in the near future.

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‘It became too noisy, and so close to the match. So I decided to protect the preparation of the match and that is why he is out.

‘Of course we have spoken, we have spoken twice and he has spoken to the lead players.

‘And after that we had to realise it’s too close to the match and it’s too big.

‘We need to protect the preparation of the match.

‘We have a big match to play and we need full focus, which is anyway hard to get even with this decision but it is, in my opinion, easier.

‘For sure it was a difficult decision to take but in my opinion it is the one to take.’

Speaking during the interview, Lukaku, who returned to Stamford Bridge from Inter on a £98million transfer last summer, stated that he was not satisfied with how things are going for him at present.

“Physically I am fine. But I’m not happy with the situation at Chelsea. ‘Tuchel has chosen to play with another system – I won’t give up, I’ll be professional. I am not happy with the situation but I am professional – and I can’t give up now.

‘I really, genuinely from the bottom of my heart hope to come back to Inter, not at the end of my career, but while I am still at the level to win more trophies.’