Thomas Tuchel has reinforced that Romelu Lukaku has every opportunity still to prove himself at Chelsea following the forward's brace against Wolves on Saturday. The Belgian striker earned a penalty which he was able to convert before producing an impressive hit just minutes late to give the Blues a 2-0 lead before Bruno Lage's side came back to draw.
Lukaku's goals were his first in the Premier League in 2022, and first at Stamford Bridge since his explosive interview that was released over the festive period. The £97.5million signing has failed to hit the heights many expected when he re-joined the west London team, but once again become Chelsea's top goalscorer with 14 goals.
Tuchel was reluctant to go into specifics about Lukaku given the manner of the Blues' draw, but confirmed Lukaku can still prove himself for the club, as can other members of the squad. Tuchel said: "Everybody has, I know you're very keen on Romelu questions but everyone has and today he delivered and next game is on."
READ MORE: What Romelu Lukaku did when substituted vs Wolves as Chelsea handed Arsenal and Tottenham worry
With just three Premier League matches and the FA Cup final remaining in the season, it is impossible to avoid thoughts of the summer transfer window, particularly with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen set to leave the club. With the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool evident, there are still plenty of rumours around the futures of a number of Chelsea stars, including the likes of Lukaku, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, with the likes of N'Golo Kante and Jorginho also set to enter the final year of their deals. As such, a number of players could be playing for their future.
"Yeah but it's always like this at the end of the season, no?" said Tuchel. "It's not easier that we don't know what is going on the transfer market and what our possibilities in acting and not acting. If you sign for Chelsea and play on this kind of level - part of it is that it is not always easy and not always enjoyable. It's tough, it's tiring, it's draining and that's what you need to accept and it's what we demand from everyone."
The man who could see the end of Chelsea's sanctions, and dictate any transfer war chest was present at Stamford Bridge on Saturday with Todd Boehly at the game against Wolves. It was announced in the build up to that match that the American's consortium had came to an agreement to acquire the club. Tuchel said earlier in the process, that he did not want to be involved until a resolution was closer.
Following the latest progress, Tuchel is happy to offer his thoughts to Boehly but does not see it as his job to explain to the prospective owner about the DNA of the club .Tuchel said: "I don't even know if it is my job, I'm head coach of the team and have enough to do. If he wants my impression I am happy to give it but I'm not too sure this is my job and I'm pretty sure he knows very well what Chelsea is all about."
