Thomas Tuchel sends a note to Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea was knocked out by Real Madrid in the Champions League Quarter-Finals.

Thomas Tuchel has implored Romelu Lukaku to seize this opportunity if he is granted minutes in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final versus Crystal Palace. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge in a £97 million transfer last summer, the Belgium player seems to have had a pretty tough time. Tuchel, on the contrary hand, reckons Lukaku should take a lesson from Werner’s manual and keep striving to recapture his berth in the team. 

Timo Werner has secured his spot back in the starting lineup after stellar displays and goals versus Southampton and Real Madrid in recent weeks. Werner had been in an identical situation until lately. Nonetheless, the German player has rejuvenated his career, starting five of the last seven matches and netting three goals.

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Lukaku had gone away from the squad in recent weeks owing to injury, and Kai Havertz has stepped in to take his spot. Tuchel conveyed a statement to his number nine and club-record purchase in a press conference before the FA Cup semi-final. Tuchel acknowledged when asked if Lukaku had to follow the example of the German, citing the Belgian’s big opportunities versus Real Madrid.

Tuchel said, “Romelu Lukaku needs to take chances. It is exactly what he needs to do. Wait, be patient, work hard and put the team first, be ready to help the team because as a striker you can help within seconds”. as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

Tuchel recognizes that a striker’s fate can flip in a matter of time, and he reckons it’s all about embracing opportunities when they offer themselves. Lukaku has produced 12 goals in 36 outings throughout all competitions following his club-record deal from Inter Milan. As Chelsea takes on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday, they will be aiming to achieve their second cup final of the year and start setting up another Wembley battle with Liverpool.