Romelu Lukaku is a man of many words.
Quite literally in fact.
The Belgian international can speak eight different languages, including Portuguese, Spanish and some German.
However, it is his Italian tongue that’s gotten him into trouble recently.
Lukaku stirring the pot
A revealing interview with Sky Italia that was recorded a few weeks ago but published yesterday has gotten everybody on social media talking.
In the conversation, Lukaku revealed he ‘he was not very happy with the situation’ at Chelsea and seemingly criticised Thomas Tuchel’s methods.
“I think the boss has decided to play a different formation but I have to stick at it and get on with it professionally.”
This rather unflattering statement does need a bit of context.
Around the time of recording, Lukaku had only just returned from a period on the side-lines and was continuing his recovery.
Tuchel used the striker sparingly, to avoid damaging him once again.
Tuchel’s transformations
In the absence of the centre-forward, the Blues were often forced to deploy a false nine through the middle.
The likes of Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz took turns to lead the line.
This understandably changed the direction of Chelsea’s approach, as they no longer had a prominent figure to play into.
Hence why Tuchel needed to alter the formation slightly, causing Lukaku’s apparent annoyance.
Yet, the 28-year-old really has no leg to stand on in this argument.
After all, it was he who said his game could suit any kind of style.
What has Lukaku said now?
“I can do a bit of everything and in some games when I know there is a lot of space behind the defence, I play differently,” said Lukaku in October.
“The reason I’m so productive (in front of goal) is because I can do a bit of everything.”
If the former Inter Milan man can do a bit of everything, that how can he complain a slight tinkering to the Chelsea set-up?
Elite players should have the capability to adapt and overcome, that’s what makes them elite.
Unfortunately, right now for Lukaku, he looks rather amateur.