Thomas Tuchel says it is "not the time to laugh" about Romelu Lukaku after the Chelsea striker only managed seven touches against Crystal Palace.
Lukaku set a new Premier League record for the fewest touches from a player who has played a full 90 minutes since statistics started being recorded by Opta in the 2003-04 season.
The Belgium international only managed seven touches in the 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday - and one of those was from kick-off.
Asked how he can get Lukaku to touch the ball more often, Tuchel said: "What can I do? I don't know. We have to deal with it.
"The data is out there and the data speaks a certain language. He was not involved in our game, it's sometimes like this with strikers. If they struggle a bit with self-confidence, to find the space and to get involved against a good defensive side, it can be like this.
"It's not what we want or Romelu wants, but it's also not the time to laugh about him and make jokes about him. He's in the spotlight but we will protect him."
'Chelsea have history of struggling strikers'
Lukaku has scored five goals in 17 Premier League appearances this season since his £97.5m move from Inter Milan last summer.
Tuchel, who is preparing his for Tuesday's visit of Lille in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, says the 28-year-old is not the first striker to struggle at Stamford Bridge and suggests the system Chelsea play could explain that.
"There is a history of strikers struggling a little bit at Chelsea so it may not be the easiest place in the world for strikers. I don't know why it's like this," Tuchel said.
"In my opinion, Chelsea are a team considered a strong defensive team, a physical team, that has a certain attitude when in competitive football.
"We demand a lot of our strikers in terms of defending. We want to be a physical, hard-working group that wants to play a physical game and a skilful game. That maybe plays a part.
"We are on the subject and are well aware, but like always in football, it's not just one reason to sort a problem. It's a complex sport and we will try to continue to play with faith, with a team effort."
Champions League: Holders Chelsea host Lille
Chelsea host Lille on Tuesday with Tuchel determined to see the Blues forge on in the defence of their Champions League crown.
The clubs have met in just one European campaign previously - in 2019-20 - when Chelsea won both matches in the group stage by the same 2-1 scoreline.
Lille are the reigning Ligue 1 champions but have struggled this season after a summer of changes, which included the departure of head coach Christophe Galtier.
"They had a fantastic coach and a group of players [last season]. They were very competitive when I was in Paris," Tuchel said.
"They were a strong group, very emotional group, never easy to play in their stadium. The quality of the coach was exceptional and you could tell they had the quality to fight high up the table.
"But they lost players and the coach in the summer so there has been a huge change. When the change is so big it may take time for things to settle in.
"They lost another key player in winter with Jonathan Ikone but still we all know how physical French football is, how physical the attacking players are, how brave they are in one-on-ones, very disciplined against the ball, and they have the chance to play this game as underdogs.
"It's like always: we respect the game, respect the opponent, and prepare the team as we always do."
Analysis: What's going wrong with Lukaku?
Sky Sports' Nick Wright on the Essential Football Podcast:
"It's interesting that Mason Mount was missing against Crystal Palace. Several weeks ago the passing data already showed Mason Mount is really the only Chelsea player who combines with him on a regular basis, and he was injured at Selhurst Park.
"That's a problem for Lukaku - the rest of the team aren't really serving him enough. He's playing up front on his own now, and that's a bit of an issue. He was brilliant at Inter playing alongside Lautaro Martinez where they formed a great partnership, but he doesn't have that presence alongside him anymore.
"He's expected to play as a target man which doesn't really suit him, he much prefers getting the ball on the turn in deeper areas and running at defenders, and he's not really getting the chance to do that.
"He's expected instead to hold the ball up, bring others into play, and he'd rather be the one running in behind. It's a tricky situation, and when you've spent £97m on a player you'd think there's a plan in place for how to use him - and it doesn't seem like that's the case."
TryNuell
0
lukaku destroyed his confidence by him self when he criticize the coach he start talking about going back to Inter,let him struggle next time he knows pride is not good in life
what about a certain Jack
kg-4991
1
He just likes to play on the counter attack. I think Lukaku is certainly talented and blessed with a lot of ability but we've seen so many times in football that talent alone cannot make you successful. You still need the right levels of attitude and professionalism to become a top player. The fact that Lukaku has given up so easily when he's not having it so easy and comfortable as he was finding it at Everton shows that he's someone who likes to be in his comfort zone. He doesn't really like challenges. It's also one of the reasons why trophies have generally evaded him.
Yeah. He is a top level player with great abilities. Still he is only fit for a particular style of play. That's his disadvantage. The words he used about Chelsea shows that he didn't come for closure but just for money.
mibbclnopu
0
I think Harvetz and Werner can do the job better than the lazy Lukaku
mibbclnopu
0
Chelsea was top of the table when James and Chilwell got injured, now they are 3rd with more than 10 points behind City. Their goals became scarce. Creativity started to lack. . Without James and Chilwell, it will be extremely hard for Chelsea. Those two alone constitute half. I feel like Chelsea are too reliant on Wingbacks than the other positions combined.
useless, play Liverpool without TAA and Robertson and see
mibbclnopu
0
we must play werner, harvetz upfront instead of Forever Useless Lukaku
Andy_Mac
0
That I totally agree. I have said this the moment rumours on Lukaku and previously Werner joining Chelsea came. Lukaku can't play a high pace high momentum game. His is built for a slow buildup game style. That's why he struggled in United and became successful in Inter. Also he need a anchor man- shadow striker behind him to help him stay free. Like Son and Kane. . And regarding Werner, no idea what happened to him.
*Correction: I meant he was finding it easy and comfortable at Inter. He was comfortable at Everton too but I meant Inter as well.
Andy_Mac
0
That I totally agree. I have said this the moment rumours on Lukaku and previously Werner joining Chelsea came. Lukaku can't play a high pace high momentum game. His is built for a slow buildup game style. That's why he struggled in United and became successful in Inter. Also he need a anchor man- shadow striker behind him to help him stay free. Like Son and Kane. . And regarding Werner, no idea what happened to him.
He just likes to play on the counter attack. I think Lukaku is certainly talented and blessed with a lot of ability but we've seen so many times in football that talent alone cannot make you successful. You still need the right levels of attitude and professionalism to become a top player. The fact that Lukaku has given up so easily when he's not having it so easy and comfortable as he was finding it at Everton shows that he's someone who likes to be in his comfort zone. He doesn't really like challenges. It's also one of the reasons why trophies have generally evaded him.
yiybdilpsu
0
the manager is the one laughing because he got the win.
Copadesuz
0
Tuchel is my problem these days.. I can't understand how fortunes change overnight.. It seems Tuchel is losing control of that dressing room gradually..
Are you stupid, he won you a champs league 😭😭
Bouabioruy
1
Tuchel is my problem these days.. I can't understand how fortunes change overnight.. It seems Tuchel is losing control of that dressing room gradually..
kg-4991
0
Yeah but if we're relying on our defenders to score a lot, then we simply don't have a good enough attack. We need better quality up front
That I totally agree. I have said this the moment rumours on Lukaku and previously Werner joining Chelsea came. Lukaku can't play a high pace high momentum game. His is built for a slow buildup game style. That's why he struggled in United and became successful in Inter. Also he need a anchor man- shadow striker behind him to help him stay free. Like Son and Kane. . And regarding Werner, no idea what happened to him.
Andy_Mac
1
Strikers didn't score much but Defenders did alot. Balls from James and Chilwell were impeccable. Even they had scored a few beautiful goals. Azpilicueta isn't a good Wingback. He is good at defending though as CB.
Yeah but if we're relying on our defenders to score a lot, then we simply don't have a good enough attack. We need better quality up front
kg-4991
0
Yes we had those players even then. So how many goals did our strikers score?
Strikers didn't score much but Defenders did alot. Balls from James and Chilwell were impeccable. Even they had scored a few beautiful goals. Azpilicueta isn't a good Wingback. He is good at defending though as CB.
SonyMontana52
0
Thomas tuchel will be sack soonest if Chelsea don't finish top 4
So your team can hire him?
Andy_Mac
0
Chelsea had Mount and Ziyech even then. Remember. It's the added pressure for opponents and freedom the wingers Mount, CHO and Havertz had made the chances of second balls and third balls for Chelsea which actually made huge difference. Currently with only Mount, Ziyech, Pulisic and Havertz applying press, it's much easier for opponents compared to what it was with James and Chilwell adding the power
Yes we had those players even then. So how many goals did our strikers score?
Meister_Drew
2
of course we laugh Mr tuchel
fenaekouy
0
Thomas tuchel will be sack soonest if Chelsea don't finish top 4
Look who’s talking here
fenaekouy
1
I said earlier that Lukaku is not good for the EPL but many didn’t believe me. He is a box player and just wants others to pass the ball to him for tap in. The money spent to bring him to Chelsea is a wasted money.
Yes exactly like ronaldo
kg-4991
0
It's not so much of an issue with creativity because the likes of Ziyech and Mount still create a fair bit. The main issue is our striker Lukaku who isn't bothered to make the runs.
Chelsea had Mount and Ziyech even then. Remember. It's the added pressure for opponents and freedom the wingers Mount, CHO and Havertz had made the chances of second balls and third balls for Chelsea which actually made huge difference. Currently with only Mount, Ziyech, Pulisic and Havertz applying press, it's much easier for opponents compared to what it was with James and Chilwell adding the power
Thaj
0
I said earlier that Lukaku is not good for the EPL but many didn’t believe me. He is a box player and just wants others to pass the ball to him for tap in. The money spent to bring him to Chelsea is a wasted money.
Exactly what I was saying when Chelsea wanted to sign him but the clueless fans was insulting me
Thaj
0
my own humble opinion. Chelsea player's dont pass the boll to lukaku simple as that just take a luke amount off time lukaku keep asking the boll with his hands up high
Because he doesn't know how to use the ball ⚽, he always waste the ball ⚽. He can't create chances, he can't run, he can't do anything than standing in the box of the opponents waiting for the crossing to head into the net. It doesn't work that way, his team mates are working to get the ball ⚽, then the opponent players will take the ball in his leg. Think before you talk
babbcdtu
4
my own humble opinion. Chelsea player's dont pass the boll to lukaku simple as that just take a luke amount off time lukaku keep asking the boll with his hands up high
Ibe7
3
Chelsea fans right now towards Lukaku 🤣
Hihbinrtz
4
I said earlier that Lukaku is not good for the EPL but many didn’t believe me. He is a box player and just wants others to pass the ball to him for tap in. The money spent to bring him to Chelsea is a wasted money.
Lohackmpz
0
Thomas tuchel will be sack soonest if Chelsea don't finish top 4
ur team doesn't even have a coach deal with ur problems first.chelsea lover
Lohackmpz
0
who's more flop.. Werner or Lukaku 😅🤣
talks from a team that wouldn't even make the europa laegue spot.so lame
jonadlpstu
0
Bros pls focus on man u. U have bigger problems.
[Crylaugh] good reply
zimadeipry
2
who's more flop.. Werner or Lukaku 😅🤣
iffy1985
2
Tuchel is a good and luckiest coach, but he lack understand about the best striker for Chelsea. Lukaku is not the right choice for Chelsea with such amounts of money. any striker that want to play for Chelsea have to use both legs chest and also controable of ball
jikdeklryz
0
against crystal palace,why no two play,they all play what lukaku will always do,lukaku games no timo mount or lukaku they all play right thing so mount play without lukaku with when havertz nine is in the team and ziyech work to do so odoi play after pulisic,lukaku work when mount will not play lukaku play well when havertz nine is in the team and ziyech work to do so odoi play after pulisic,no right thing,no two to play mount or lukaku
Noveni
1
that squad is strong
JERRY_EINSTEIN
4
LUKAKU "Malang, I'm gonna stand here whilst you run for me OK?"[Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh][Crylaugh]
xata
0
Chelsea was top of the table when James and Chilwell got injured, now they are 3rd with more than 10 points behind City. Their goals became scarce. Creativity started to lack. . Without James and Chilwell, it will be extremely hard for Chelsea. Those two alone constitute half. I feel like Chelsea are too reliant on Wingbacks than the other positions combined.
the anonying part is that the board don't want to bring in good wingbacks in those positions so as to help the team Incase of injury.
Cauabclz
0
Ever since Tuchel came at Chelsea we've been playing poor football regardless of the results. If Tuchel don't improve his poor football I can't see him reaching November next season
This one dey watch back of TV
Cauabclz
2
Thomas tuchel will be sack soonest if Chelsea don't finish top 4
Bros pls focus on man u. U have bigger problems.
Zomaduy
0
Thomas tuchel will be sack soonest if Chelsea don't finish top 4
Jackson246
0
Exactly bro
AnijhaFidelis
0
Ever since Tuchel came at Chelsea we've been playing poor football regardless of the results. If Tuchel don't improve his poor football I can't see him reaching November next season
You don't know what you're saying
OneLove⚽️
2
It's not Lukaku's fault he's struggling, adapting in Tuchel's defensive style of play is difficult, remember Abraham and Giroud were sold and Werner is still there but his goals drying up became a problem for them so it's not the players but the formation and tactics being used.
Andy_Mac
1
Chelsea was top of the table when James and Chilwell got injured, now they are 3rd with more than 10 points behind City. Their goals became scarce. Creativity started to lack. . Without James and Chilwell, it will be extremely hard for Chelsea. Those two alone constitute half. I feel like Chelsea are too reliant on Wingbacks than the other positions combined.
It's not so much of an issue with creativity because the likes of Ziyech and Mount still create a fair bit. The main issue is our striker Lukaku who isn't bothered to make the runs.
misabcdenp
1
Ever since Tuchel came at Chelsea we've been playing poor football regardless of the results. If Tuchel don't improve his poor football I can't see him reaching November next season
Yobbdimopz
4
lukaku destroyed his confidence by him self when he criticize the coach he start talking about going back to Inter,let him struggle next time he knows pride is not good in life
kg-4991
5
Chelsea was top of the table when James and Chilwell got injured, now they are 3rd with more than 10 points behind City. Their goals became scarce. Creativity started to lack. . Without James and Chilwell, it will be extremely hard for Chelsea. Those two alone constitute half. I feel like Chelsea are too reliant on Wingbacks than the other positions combined.
kopigao
1
Nowadays Chelsea can't form a deadly attack from the back, and they are heavily depend on counter attack, tbh I feel Crystal Palace is playing better attack than Chelsea. Without counter attack, Chelsea players just roaming outside the box like a no head chicken and passing the ball from one side to other side, try meaningless duel and most of the time the attacks are initiated by the defender, what a joke. Chelsea couch (from Conte to Tuchel) seems not sure how to attack and this issue already there since Costa left and still persist. No matter how much money Chelsea invest in the players and couch but the situation is still remains the same, we're back to square once again.
fizzbizzie
2
( "In my opinion, Chelsea are a team considered a strong defensive team, a physical team, that has a certain attitude when in competitive football.) .... tuchel says Chelsea are a defensive side but the fans will argue it with you that they are not
Kkrexuke
2
Having watched EPL for the last 20+ years, Chelsea has evolved alot from those early Abramovic days. In the past , fwds does most of the magic and creation with Zola, drogba, malouda lampard taking risk etc these days, Chelsea focus more with midfield team play. calculated risk during attack and more possession. little surprise the striker get less touches in the ball. The AM and the wingers features heavily at Chelsea now even the wingbacks.