Rudi Garcia: I understand Lukaku and hope for ‘more playing time’ at Napoli

Belgium coach Rudi Garcia sides with Romelu Lukaku, who has to follow a ‘specific program’ to get back in shape and hopes the 32-year-old will get ‘more playing time’ when he returns to Napoli.

• Read Football Italia Ad-Free and get access to Exclusive News – Free Trial – Click Here

Belgium coach Garcia, a former Napoli tactician, appeared to back Lukaku despite the striker’s decision to cancel his return to Naples to train individually in Belgium during the break.

Belgium coach defends Lukaku after Napoli row

Lukaku broke the internal rules at Napoli and will be fined by the club. According to several sources, the Partenopei will even freeze him out of the team if he fails to return by next Tuesday.

Lukaku initially joined the Belgian national team during the March break, but was soon left out because of his poor form.

“Lukaku was not 100% fit, and he had to follow a specific program to recover,” Garcia explained at a press conference on Saturday, via Gazzetta.

“It’s normal for him to want to be at the top. When you are not, the mental aspect plays a significant role because there’s a fear of getting injured again. We understand him. Totti had the same injury, and we know it takes time to recover from something like that.”

Lukaku sustained a severe muscle injury during the pre-season and has played barely 60 minutes across all competitions this season, scoring one goal in seven appearances.

“I hope Lukaku can return to Napoli soon and get more playing time there,” continued Garcia.

“It’s important for the club and for us that he returns to full fitness as soon as possible. We must convince everyone that Romelu needs to do what he thinks is best to get in his best shape, physically and mentally.”

A former Napoli coach, Garcia, is not on good terms with President Aurelio De Laurentiis. Last year, the coach said he had enjoyed “everything” of his time at the club, except for the owner.