THE FEDERAL COACH SPEAKS, PART 2. Roberto Martínez sees Lukaku smile again at Inter: “Romelu needs love to perform” | World Cup football

Romelu Lukaku has returned to Inter this summer, the club he left for Chelsea a year ago. However, ‘Big Rom’ never grounded there. “Romelu is a footballer who plays with heart, with a lot of emotions,” says Roberto Martínez. “He needs love to perform. At Chelsea he felt no connection, it was difficult to enter a dressing room that had just won the Champions League. Now he looks happy again, he smiles. Then the best in Romelu comes out.”

Dries Mertens left Napoli after nine years. The 35-year-old striker was received with a big drum at the Turkish top club Galatasaray. “A fantastic transfer,” says Martínez. “I was a bit worried about the project Dries would choose. Napoli is very specific, it’s almost a religion. The fans are close to the players – that’s also the case with Galatasaray Dries needs that and Galatasaray also needs someone like Dries. He can also become a legend in Turkey.”

Axel Witsel also visited other places this summer. He left Borussia Dortmund for Atlético Madrid, where he was actually played out as a central defender during the pre-season. “Axel is a mature footballer and can play in different positions, but I don’t think Atletico got him as a central defender. For the national team I also think it is dangerous to take him away from his place – he provides balance. Axel can definitely play as a central defender, but the six is ​​his position.”

… Carrasco: “Yannick may have come at a time when he has to make a decision… He has enjoyed a lot of interest for a while, including from the Premier League. With his one-on-one qualities, he would fit in well there, a bit like Eden Hazard. So maybe now is the time to make a choice, but I’m not worried about him.”

… Chadli: “Nacer is still on my A-list. For me he brings something different than any other player. He has not played much in the last two years due to injuries. But if he can play 90 minutes at Basaksehir, he has a good chance of making the selection.”

… Denayer: “Jason is a player we are concerned about. He is an important pawn for us, but it was a difficult year for him, partly due to his contract situation. We support him and believe in him, but it is getting late in the window. I hope he makes the right choice.”

… Boyata: “Dedryck is kind of in the same situation as Jason, but he’s still at a club – he still trains with a group every day. I expect a solution for him in the next two weeks. He may have to leave to get ready for the World Cup.”

… Dendoncker: “Leander was impressive during the March and June camps. He’s a player that you think is normal, but in the end appreciates so much for his versatility. You need such players in big tournaments.”

… Januzaj: “Adnan is one of the greatest talents in our country, perhaps the most talented of his generation. He had to find the balance between freedom and working for the team, and he found it at Sociedad. Now is the time to change. It becomes important to find the right environment. An important choice.”

… Street: “We have been impressed with Romeo for some time. His development slowed down for a while last season, but then he played some strong matches with the U19. That more difficult period has accelerated his process. Southampton now gives him the freedom to be himself.”