Thomas Tuchel wanted to clarify that he was not pushing for Romelu Lukaku's exit this summer.
"There was never a meeting where I said, 'I want this guy out'. Never." Tuchel told football.london from LA, where Chelsea began their pre-season tour of the USA.
"I was always clear: if he stays, we will do everything to put him in a better place, to put him in better shape, to improve my style of coaching, our style of playing, to make him a better fit."
Despite ending the 2021/22 season as Chelsea's top scorer with 15 goals in all competitions, the Belgian had failed to meet the expectations of the previous summer when he arrived for £97m from Serie A.
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel reveals three Chelsea transfer priorities and new responsibility under Todd Boehly
Lukaku was supposed to be the saviour of Chelsea's profligate attack, but instead, he only added to the growing confusion. Looking like a character from a different genre implanted into the leading role of the wrong film than the final piece of the jigsaw Tuchel intended him to be.
But in seven words, Tuchel captured how Todd Boehly and Clearlake are beginning to alter the club's approach to awkward situations like this. When reflecting on Lukaku's desire to return to Inter, the German said: "the owners took the decision straight away".
Lukaku's loan to Inter was not a deal financially that was ever going to look good on Chelsea's side, and it has not even fully resolved the problem as Tuchel even admitted that the forward could still return next summer, as unlikely as that may sound.
"I'm unhappy that we couldn't bring more out of him," Tuchel admitted. "Maybe it would have just taken a bit more time. A bit more fitness, a bit more, like, stiffness and adaption in our game. Who knows? But we will now not find out. Once Romelu gave his clear opinion on the situation, and there was a solution on the table, the owners made their choice and had my blessing."
Though Boehly, acting as interim sporting director, probably gauged how big of a deal this was. As much as Lukaku tactically was an imperfect fit, culturally, it felt more detrimental to the club. His reputation amongst fans had been soured by the interview in December, and if you dared to gaze over social media in the days leading up to his Inter return, he was basically public enemy number one.
In acting swiftly and not allowing this story to drag, Boehly opened up space in the squad for the £45m arrival of Raheem Sterling from Manchester City, a player Tuchel clearly pushed for and has now detailed his excitement over welcoming ahead of the new season.
"The priority is not the nine position". Tuchel said in responding to questions over a new central striker being signed. "We got our top priority [Sterling] signed, and it makes me very, very happy as from there we are very flexible. Our goal threat should be enough. If we think something crazy comes up that we don't see, maybe we will get involved. But maybe not. The priority is not there at the moment."
Lukaku's situation could have been allowed to drag as others disgruntled superstars had before him at Stamford Bridge. It could have soured the mood of pre-season, a constant uncertainty dominating interviews and fuelling more speculation. From a fan perspective, with all patience for Lukaku likely gone after it was clear he wanted to leave, a swift solution was essential.
That aggressive approach to deals has been showcased in the negotiations for Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly.
Tuchel will hope this decisive decision-making will serve him well as Boehly aims to secure more signings ahead of the opening game against Everton on the 6th of August.
READ NEXT:
Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Koulibaly announcement, Nathan Ake snub, Kounde boost
Nathan Ake makes huge Chelsea transfer decision amid Presnel Kimpembe and Levi Colwill options
Tomori, James and Abraham start, Mount captain: The Chelsea Cobham XI that could have been
Kalidou Koulibaly Chelsea transfer agreement offers Thomas Tuchel a quick tactical solution
