If 2021 taught us anything – it’s that footballers are ready to talk. From Marcus Rashford single-handedly telling Boris to step outside, to Josh Cavallo bravely coming out as one of the only openly gay footballers in the men’s game. It was a year for change.
Not only was it a massive step in the conversation for social and political progression, but we also saw the likes of Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé openly express their desire to leave Spurs and Paris Saint Germain respectively. And while 2022 has begun in a similar vein, Romelu Lukaku’s recent interview with Sky Italia feels a little different.
The interview – in which the Chelsea striker revealed that he was “not happy” with his manager’s tactics – has been met with a unanimously negative response from fans and pundits alike. But as fans, are we being slightly hypocritical for criticising players for their uncompromising honesty on one hand, after championing free speech for so long on the other? Well there are a few things to consider before we really get into it.
First things first – timing is key. And quite frankly, the Belgian forward’s interview simply could not have come at a worse time for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
There’s no getting away from the fact that Chelsea’s title aspirations have hung precariously in the balance for weeks now. Sunday’s clash with Liverpool was dubbed as “do or die” as both teams needed a win in order to mount some sort of respectable fight for the Premier League title. Simply put, these are the kind of games that Romelu Lukaku was signed for. Especially as there have been ‘big game allegations’ levelled at the marksman dating back to his time at Manchester United.
But despite all of the talking points before, during and after the game – the main headline continues to surround the no.9’s conspicuous omission from the squad.
As well as timing, perception is vital to any narrative. Not only did Chelsea’s £97.5 million summer signing choose to rock the boat only 5 months into his ‘homecoming’ – he went as far as to vow that he “will return to Inter – and not at the end of his career.” These comments really don’t bode well for a 28 year-old player who is currently under a 5-year contract at the club he claimed he was so desperate to join at the time. Just when exactly is Romelu Lukaku planning on rejoining Inter? And why is he thinking about leaving when he’s only just sealed the deal on his big Stamford Bridge return?
The line between talking, and talking too much is a fine one. Is there any way back for Lukaku now though? In short – yes. Players have come back from far worse and ultimately, if Big Rom provides big moments for the Blues this season, all will be forgotten.
This saga should serve as a timely reminder for players in future though. There’s a time and a place for everything. The time? Probably best that it isn’t days before your team’s biggest game of the season. The place? Definitely not an unsanctioned interview on Sky Italia.
A lot has been made about RL9’s play with his back to goal in the past, and boy has he backed himself into a corner now.
Over to you Romelu.
