Lukaku reveals Tuchel's plans for him at Chelsea

The Blues’ record signing has opened up on Thomas Tuchel’s plans for him and what fans can expect for this season.

Thomas Tuchel has told Romelu Lukaku that he expects the striker to become a ‘presence and a leader’ for Chelsea.

10 years after first arriving at Stamford Bridge as a fresh-faced teenager from Anderlecht, Lukaku is back. He returns for a club-record fee of €115 million and with a reputation as one of the world’s best attackers.

The 28-year-old could make his second debut against Arsenal this weekend after reporting for training on Monday.

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“The conversation was really clear from him [Thomas Tuchel], that he wants me to be a presence and a leader in the team,” Lukaku told the club’s website on his chat with the Chelsea manager.

“My role will depend on what the game plan is and what the boss wants me to do. If he wants me to be a focal point or if he wants me to attack the spaces in behind, I can do it. The two years in Italy helped me master all the facets of the game for a striker, and now I’m ready.

“I like the system that we play and I’m very flexible. I can play as a two or by myself and I’m used to the system because it’s what we play with the Belgian national team so I don’t need much time to adapt.”

Lukaku, who scored 64 goals in only 95 games for Inter Milan, added: “I’m a leader but I’m also more of a gel person, making sure that everybody feels comfortable and confident. That’s the way I lead.

“When there’s a difficult moment in the game, they can lean on me and I’ll always be encouraging my teammates, never being down on them or barking at them.”