Another final where fate was not favorable to him. Substitute Romelu Lukaku missed two crucial chances in the final against Manchester City. A new downer for the Red Devil, which causes a second scar this season. “He will again go through the same thing as after the World Cup,” said analyst Thierry Henry.
It is not the images he dreamed of that go around the world.
Romelu Lukaku was not crowned Inter’s great hero, but – despite an eager substitution – was mainly talked about by two unfortunate moments.
First, the Red Devil is in the wrong place in minute 71 when Dimarco heads an excellent chance to goal, but Lukaku just then gets in the way.
It’s called being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Three years ago, it also happened to the striker in the Europa League final against Sevilla.
Lukaku blocks Dimarco’s header.
Two minutes before the end, an even bigger chance followed for Inter and Lukaku.
From very close, the striker had the chance to put the equalizer on the board, but Lukaku headed the opportunity too centrally at Ederson.
Disbelief was visible in his eyes.
“This is something that will keep him awake for nights on end,” said Peter Vandenbempt during the commentary at Proximus.
And so, for the second time this season, a lot of mental patching will be needed at Lukaku.
Luck was also not on the side of the record shooter in the decisive World Cup match against Croatia, who missed several (difficult) chances.
A few weeks ago, after qualifying for the final, ex-assistant and analyst Thierry Henry came back to that.
“Romelu is critical of himself, he can put himself down because he doesn’t see the positive. (Hold on) After the World Cup Romelu didn’t have it easy – I’m not going to go into details about that. But he fought back, that’s a sign of grandeur.”
That header from close range will chase Romelu.
After the final last night, Henry – again an analyst at CBS Sports – encouraged the striker again.
“He will have to go through the same thing again as he did after the World Cup,” Henry estimates.
“People will blame him again – although he couldn’t help it in that phase with Dimarco himself. That header from close range will haunt Romelu. He will have to live with that. I’ve lost finals, won finals… Sometimes you’re just on the wrong side.”
After the final, Inter owner Zhang spoke briefly about Lukaku’s future, but – as in recent months – again came up with a few meaningless sentences.
“Lukaku? The player has shown his attachment to Inter. He’s an incredible kid, he has a contract with Chelsea, we’ll have to talk to them to come to an agreement.”
2023-06-10 21:19:24
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