“They don’t know how to best use Lukaku”

Antonio Conte, former Inter Milan coach, has criticized Chelsea and coach Thomas Tuchel because, in his opinion, the Blues don’t know how to exploit the potential of Romelu Lukaku.

Conte had worked with the Belgian striker at the Nerazzurri last season before Lukaku moved back to Stamford Bridge for 115 million euros in the summer.

“When you have a center forward like him, you have to take advantage of that. And I think Chelsea don’t know how to best use him,” said Conte Sky Sport Italia after England’s 0-1 defeat at Juventus in the Champions League. Lukaku got off to a good start with the Blues with four goals in the first four games, but since then he has been waiting four games for a sense of achievement.

“I think he can get better, especially with his technique,” said Conte. “There are also moments in the game when you have to turn it on,” added his ex-coach, referring to the Belgian’s weaknesses.

Last season, under coach Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea surprisingly won the Champions League title. “They didn’t have a real center forward, so they rotated a lot at the front. Romelu is a fixed point on the offensive,” said Conte, describing what he saw as the most important difference to the previous season. “If you find out how you can best use it, the Champions League title can only be won through Chelsea,” said the trainer.

Last season, Lukaku played a major role in helping Inter to end the championship series at Juventus and secure the title in Italy with 24 goals and ten assists in 36 Serie A games.