Tuchel: Lukaku easier to coach than Neymar or Mbappe

Stuart Hodge

• 23 Oct 2021 18:34 BST
• 5 min read

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel believes that Romelu Lukaku is easier to coach than Neymar or Kylian Mbappe.

The German boss has managed his fair share of the world's attacking superstars but reckons it's an easier job being in charge of the Belgian frontman than the former PSG pair.

Lukaku picked up in an injury in the midweek Champions League win over Malmo and wasn't in Chelsea's team as the Blues annihilated Norwich 7-0 at Stamford Bridge in Saturday's early Premier League game.

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But Tuchel relishes working with Lukaku, who has four goals in 11 games so far this season since returning to Chelsea.

When asked about the difference dealing with a character like him compared to Neymar or Mbappe, whom he was in charge of at the Parc des Princes prior to joining the London club, the former Borussia Dortmund man was very honest.

What did Tuchel say?

Speaking at the Festival dello Sport in Italy, via Diario Sport he said: "It's easier training Lukaku than Neymar or Mbappe."

Tuchel was also asked about the differences between managing PSG and Chelsea and how the jobs compare for him in terms of their respective demands.

He said: "They are two clubs at totally opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of their style and organisation.

"In Paris I was more like a 'minister of sport' than a head coach, dealing with the families and friends of the stars. At Chelsea, I can work in a more relaxed way."

And it seems to be working well for the 48-year-old, after claiming Champions League glory last season he has guided the Blues to the summit of the Premier League after nine games of the current season.