Belgium national team coach Rudi Garcia has voiced his support for Romelu Lukaku, who is currently undergoing a tailored fitness regimen to regain full match fitness. Garcia, who previously managed Napoli, expressed his hope that the 32-year-old striker will see increased playing time upon his return to the Serie A club. This endorsement comes despite Lukaku’s choice to remain in Belgium for individual training during the international break, rather than returning to Naples as expected.
Garcia Defends Lukaku Amidst Napoli Controversy
Reports indicate that Lukaku’s decision to train separately has led to him violating Napoli’s internal regulations, potentially resulting in a club fine. Furthermore, various sources suggest that the Partenopei might exclude him from the squad if he does not report back by the upcoming Tuesday deadline. While Lukaku initially joined the Belgian national squad during the recent international window, his participation was brief due to concerns over his physical condition.
During a Saturday press conference, Garcia elaborated on the situation, stating, “Lukaku wasn’t operating at full capacity, necessitating a specific recovery program.” He emphasized the psychological toll of such injuries, adding, “It’s natural for him to aspire to peak performance. When you’re not there, the mental dimension becomes crucial, fueled by the apprehension of re-injury. We empathize with his situation. Totti experienced a similar injury, and we recognize that such recoveries demand considerable time.”
Lukaku suffered a significant muscle injury during the pre-season, severely limiting his involvement this season to roughly 60 minutes across seven competitive appearances, in which he managed to score one goal.
Garcia further expressed his aspirations, saying, “My hope is for Lukaku to rejoin Napoli swiftly and gain more opportunities on the field there.” He underscored the importance of the striker’s full recovery for both club and country: “It’s vital for Napoli and for us (the national team) that he achieves full fitness without delay. We need to assure everyone that Romelu must prioritize what he believes is necessary to reach his optimal physical and mental state.”
It’s worth noting that Garcia, despite his prior tenure at Napoli, has a publicly strained relationship with the club’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis. Last year, Garcia famously remarked that he cherished “everything” about his time at the club, with the sole exception of its owner.