Romelu Lukaku has conceded that his conversation with new manager Jose Mourinho will remain private and confidential, but admitted that his place in the starting eleven will remain in his hands.
Mourinho faces the daunting task of preparing the strongest starting eleven from the star-studded squad available to him. This includes making a decision in the striking department, which has been the subject of widespread speculation. The irregular form of Fernando Torres has been addressed by Mourinho, but only time will tell what lies ahead for the Spaniard who once tormented defences at Liverpool. The future of winter signing Demba Ba is also in doubt, with reports of a bid from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala gone without any confirmation.
Lukaku has been a revelation for Chelsea, but not in their very own squad. The Belgian spent the past season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, where manager Steve Clark became a big fan of the striker. Lukaku performed exceptionally well, and proved the critics, who claimed that the striker will not be able to adjust to the league, wrong. His power and pace have been difficult for defenders to control, and his aerial prowess and finishing ability have been admired by many in the league.
The 20-year old was signed by then Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas in August 2011 for an initial fee of £10 million, raising expectations for the striker. However, due to the presence of Didier Drogba in attack, there was no scope for firs team football. The club were not ready to keep the highly rated frontman without first team experience, and sent him to Albion, where he joined former Blues coaching member Steve Clark. Lukaku scored 17 goals in his 35 Premier League matches for the club, leaving Clark with a wish for another loan spell. However, the Blues officials had seen enough to welcome him back to the club.
According to ESPN, Lukaku has confirmed that talks have taken place between him and the manager, but could not reveal the details of the conversation other than to say, “We spoke – and I want to keep it private because, when you have confidential talks with the manager, it has to stay between you and him.”
“We had a good talk, and now it’s up to me.”
So less is more here by the looks of things and it seems like Lukaku will get the chances his performances for West Brom have merited – let’s hope for more of the same from the young Belgian only this season wearing the Blue of Chelsea.