Thomas Tuchel begs Inter Milan supporters, explains why Chelsea signed Romelu Lukaku

Thomas Tuchel has apologised to Inter Milan supporters for signing Romelu Lukaku from the Italian giants in the summer, as reported by the Metro.

Inter supporters were very angry with Lukaku over his decision to leave their club for a return to Stamford Bridge last summer having won Scudetto for the Nerazzurri.

Speaking at Il Festival dello Sport in Trento, Italy, the current Chelsea boss said sorry to the fans of Lukaku’s former club, before explaining why the west London club wanted to sign him.

“I’m sorry for the Inter fans but like everyone we try to improve. We identified a certain profile, a very physical striker, a reference, a player with personality who could take the pressure off the shoulders of the youngest. A player who allowed us to play faster football,” the German coach said.

“There aren’t many players like that. When we have the chance to bring Lukaku back, it was an important moment for us. He said he was fine where he was, he worked extraordinarily with [Antonio] Conte and Inter.”

“But then returning and finishing his career in England, where he played as a young man, was important. Lukaku wanted to play for Chelsea for these reasons and everything went well.”

Marcos Alonso identifies difference between Tuchel and Conte despite playing identical formation, comments about about his Spain national career

Marcos Alonso has identified the difference between current Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel and former manager Antonio Conte despite the two two of them deploying five defenders.

The Italian was known for adopting 3-4-3 when he was at the west London club with telling effects by wining the Premier League trophy in the first season and FA Cup in the following season.

When asked about Tuchel’s style of play, Alonso explained why it is different to former Blues boss Antonio Conte, who the Spaniard also played under at Stamford Bridge.

The defender said: “If we compare with Conte, who also played with the system of five defenders, we have even more freedom now to arrive in attacking positions and a little less defensive responsibility, but it depends on the rival and the game.”

The 30-year-old’s performances so far this term earned him a recall to the Spanish national team squad, something he wants to happen on a more regular occurrence.

“More than anything, little by little people in Spain are getting to know me. I have had a career abroad, people see La Liga more than the Premier League there and it may have been surprising, but I know what I am capable of and what I have been doing for years,’ he said.

“I have felt recognised and loved in all the teams I have played in. In Spain is where they know me least, less than in Italy or England, but it is normal. In the end people are familiar with what they see more often.

“Where I can get noticed is on the pitch and I have always tried the maximum to do that. In the end it is the opinion of each coach to choose whoever they want and you have to respect them.

“The truth is that for a long time I have taken the national team as a bonus. In the end I play for my club and try to do my best. If I am lucky enough to come to the national team, I take it as a reward for that work.”

Andreas Christensen reacts to Chelsea contract extension talks

Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen has insisted he is ‘happy’ at the club and that talks over a new contract ‘look good’.

The 25-year-old Dane, who has been sensational for the Blues since Thomas Tuchel arrived in January, will become a free agent in the summer if he does not sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

But Christensen remains confident he will be staying at Chelsea beyond the end of the season.

As reported by TV3 Sport, the centre-back said: “It’s hard to say how things will end up.

“There is a lot of talk. I will not say too much, but I think it looks good.

“I am happy to be at Chelsea.”