Chelsea are determined to make Romelu Lukaku play his way back into form, Arno Michels has revealed.
The £97.5million club record signing endured another frustrating day in Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup fourth round extra time win against League One Plymouth.
He extended his goalless run to five games in a season that has only seen him score nine times since his move from Inter Milan.
Thomas Tuchel has admitted Chelsea’s struggles to adapt Lukaku since his arrival, while the 28-year-old has publicly stated his own frustrations.
But Michels revealed the European champions will stick by the striker - even through his barren run.
“For him, maybe, it’s a little bit tough right now to score,” Michels said.
“He is working a lot for the team, doing a lot of touches, but is a little bit unlucky.
“We try to put him [on the pitch], give him opportunities, and we will keep on like this because he is an important player for us.
“He is a striker so therefore he also needs some trust in the moments he doesn’t score.”
Michels took charge on Saturday after Tuchel tested positive for Covid.
In the absence of their manager, Chelsea fell behind to an early Macaulay Gillesphey goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta equalised before half time before Marcos Alonso put Chelsea ahead in extra time.
But they still needed Kepa Arrizabalaga to save a late Ryan Hardie penalty to book their place in the fifth round.
Michels added: “We had 60 minutes where we could lead 3-1. We had many opportunities, crosses from the side, touches in the box. We were a little bit unlucky with the crossbar and post and at the same time, we score more or less an own goal.
“So we had a little bit of difficulty but everyone will say in the FA Cup the most important thing is to go through and that is what we did.”
Michels added Mason Mount was taken off as a precaution.
He said: “He felt an injury in extra time with this shot on goal. Only by this shot – it wasn’t a serious problem during the game – it was only when he had the shot he realised he had quick he felt pain and so we took him off.
“We will see. There will be further exams. Hopefully, it’s not too bad but right now I can’t promise what the situation is.”
