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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Nathan Ridley

Romelu Lukaku details conversation with Thomas Tuchel over his role at Chelsea

Romelu Lukaku has detailed the conversation he has had with new manager Thomas Tuchel regarding his role at Chelsea.

The striker returned to Stamford Bridge last week after he signed a five-year contract in a deal worth £97.5million to leave Inter Milan, where he scored 64 goals in 95 games to become one of Europe's most feared marksmen.

Tuchel will be hoping that Lukaku can give the Blues a clinical edge in the penalty area as they look to challenge for the Premier League title this season.

The 28-year-old missed their 3-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday but is set to feature in their London derby with Arsenal on Sunday.

Although it was no issue in their top-flight opener, getting goals was a common conundrum that the German coach faced after arriving in January and that responsibility will now fall on the ex-Serie A hitman.

On whether he had spoken to Tuchel about his role yet, Lukaku told Chelsea's website : "Yes, of course!

"The conversation was really clear from him, that he wants me to be a presence and a leader in the team. I have to just use all my abilities to make sure I can help the team as much as possible.

"My role will depend on what the game plan is and what the boss wants me to do. If he wants me to be a focal point or if he wants me to attack the spaces in behind, I can do it," explained the Belgian.

"The two years in Italy helped me master all the facets of the game for a striker and now I'm ready."

Lukaku operated in a 3-5-2 formation at Inter and leads the line in a similar shape at international level.

They both strongly resemble Tuchel's preferred shape at Stamford Bridge, something the striker is keen to get involved in.

How many goals will Lukaku score this season? Comment your prediction below.

"I like the system that we play and I’m very flexible," stated Lukaku.

"I can play as a two or by myself and I'm used to the system because it's what we play with the Belgian national team so I don't need much time to adapt.

He added: "It’s just knowing the strengths of my team-mates in important positions and knowing what we do off the ball, then I can do the rest."

The Blues let Lukaku go in 2014 as he moved to Everton on a permanent basis for around £30million.

Since then, his time at Manchester United and in Italy has seen his game change, something he also discussed.

"I just feel more complete [now]," he said. "I've tried to master all the facets that a striker needs and I just want to keep improving on the small details all the time and keep improving on my strengths as well.

"I just want to try to help the team win and be available for the manager as well as for my team-mates.

"I want to make sure that they feel comfortable and they can lean on me in whatever situation we're in."

Get your hands on your club's special edition 2021/22 annual. Find out more here

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