Lukaku praised via Tuchel for 'strong' show in Carabao Cup win vs Tottenham
Thomas Tuchel heaped praise on Romelu Lukaku for overcoming the 'pressure' and 'adversity' of his interview controversy to affect in Chelsea's 2-zero win over Tottenham.
Lukaku, 28, become making his first Blues trip considering that expressing his disappointment at the membership and flirting with former facet Inter Milan in an explosive interview with Sky Italy remaining week.
The Belgium striker became dropped by using Tuchel for Sunday's 2-2 most advantageous League draw at home to Liverpool and slapped with a best, but he again to the starting lineup for his or her Carabao Cup semi-final first leg in opposition to Spurs.
And notwithstanding failing to get on the scoresheet in a at ease victory for the ecu champions, he nonetheless did sufficient to win over his manager on the night.
'i'm in reality happy with (Lukaku's) overall performance, i like how he played, robust, big commitment in protective work,' said Tuchel.
'He became now not laid low with it, he turned into at ease and pleasant with state of affairs, mentally he has moved on.
'He changed into continually risky, continually used his body, and become constantly involved in dangerous conditions.
'I predicted it without a doubt because Romelu can cope with pressure, he can manage adversity, and he appeared to be cozy after the decision turned into made and we finished our talks.
'I felt him relaxed enough to have a overall performance like this.'
Kai Havertz broke the deadlock for Chelsea after 5 mins at Stamford Bridge, before a calamitous personal purpose from Ben Davies doubled their lead half an hour later.
Tuchel and co now have one foot in the Wembley very last ahead of next week's 2nd leg in north London.
