Big return for Conte highlights a striking difference

IN A different set of circumstances, the return of a celebrated former manager to Stamford Bridge might have provided a welcome distraction from the Romelu Lukaku saga, but Antonio Conte’s reunion with Chelsea will only shine a light on the striker’s situation.

- Dan Kilpatrick

CHELSEA v TOTTENHAM (7.45pm, Sky)

Lukaku is back in the Chelsea squad for tonight’s Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Conte’s Tottenham, having last night apologised to supporters and accepted a fine from the club for an unsanctioned and explosive interview.

As Conte returns to Chelsea, Lukaku’s comments to Sky Italia, expressing frustration at his bit-part role and Thomas Tuchel’s tactics, have further highlighted his success under Conte at Inter Milan.

Tuchel has insisted his relationship with Lukaku is unchanged and put his comments down to “impatience” at his stop-start return to England, but plainly the German is yet to build the same understanding with Lukaku as Conte.

The pair won Serie A together last season and Lukaku has credited Conte with taking his game up a level, saying they will share a lifelong bond.

A relaxed Tuchel, who has dealt with the situation with impressive calm and clarity, yesterday faced questions over whether there was anything he could learn from Conte’s management of Lukaku in Italy, which now feels like a benchmark of sorts.

“We cannot just play like Inter played and hope that will bring the best out of Romelu,” said Tuchel, insisting Lukaku had to adapt to his new surroundings like any other player.