Romelu Lukaku talks about how his playing has changed and how Antonio Conte was able to convince him
Throughout his career, Romelu Lukaku has changed the way he plays and understands the role of a center forward. And there is only one man to thank for teaching him new movements and becoming a specialist behind the goal: Antonio Conte.
The relationship between the Napoli coach and the Belgian striker goes far beyond mutual esteem. Big Rom got to know the coach well in his Inter days, and from that moment on, the spark was sparked. Together they brought the tricolor back to Milan, the Nerazzurri side, and now they are trying to write a new feat in Naples. As early as the first season.
During an interview with Corriere dello Sport, Romelu Lukaku reveals how Conte was instrumental in teaching him to play with his back to goal. A style that is being challenged in this Azzurri experience, as it keeps him away from the goal. It also perhaps takes some goals away from his chances. But Lukaku disagrees.
Il punto debole di Lukaku
The Napoli striker chatted with Ivan Zazzaroni, the editor of Corriere dello Sport, in which a detail emerged that also clarifies one aspect.
Romelu Lukaku commenta come Conte lo abbia migliorato (LaPresse) SpazioNapoli
Since Lukaku signed in the Blue, some fans have been expecting more goals. Maybe even dazzled by Osimhen’s way of playing, which is completely different from the Belgian. And so he explains how Antonio Conte in the past has made him stronger, especially by improving his weakness:
“I hated playing with my back to the goal before I met Conte. He was very clear with me and said, ‘If you don’t improve this aspect, you can’t play with me.’ Zero alternatives. I have him to thank because what was my weakness turned into a quality.”
Lukaku: “Se sono dominante, faccio gol”
Just at Napoli, Romelu is honing this way of playing behind the goal, making him difficult to mark away from the penalty area. And he is in fact also one of the best assistmen in the Italian league, as he sends his teammates to goal with ease.
Lukaku spiega al Corriere dello Sport che giocare spalle alla porta non gli toglie gol (LaPresse) SpazioNapoli
From finisher to finisher. Although this new way of playing, Zazzaroni points out, might take away some of his goals. But Lukaku disagrees:
“I don’t think so, the right way to the goal can always be found. Now we play with two forwards, but until recently I was in the middle alone. I always try to be dominant, if I’m dominant I score goals and still help my teammates in insertions.”
