The next Mourinho or Conte? Ex-Chelsea flop Lukaku makes career confession

Napoli striker Romelu Lukaku is already planning for his future career, revealing that he will begin his coaching badges at the end of the current season. 

The 31-year-old forward, who will turn 32 in May, is having a strong campaign with Napoli, but is also considering his next steps in football.

The experienced forward has stated that he is interested in pursuing a coaching career, although he still has some doubts. 

He will begin the UEFA A and UEFA B coaching courses at the end of the season to explore his options further.

“I think I do want to be a coach, a part of me believes that, but on the other hand, I also still have a few doubts,” Lukaku told Radio CRC. “I will start my coaching badges at the end of the season, beginning the UEFA A and UEFA B courses, then I’ll see what I feel like doing.”

The tactician Lukaku has worked with the best is undoubtedly Antonio Conte, whose approach he experienced at Inter and now Napoli; Conte's influence may have inspired the Belgian’s interest in coaching.

Lukaku also spoke about his positive experience at Napoli, highlighting the passion of the fans. 

He contrasted the atmosphere at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona with other stadiums, noting the constant support and encouragement from the crowd.

“I never experienced something like that during a warm-up,” continued the forward. “After the game, I asked Dries Mertens if it was always like that, and he confirmed this is pretty much constant.

“The cheer of the crowd pushes you on, it puts pressure on your opponents. When it happens, that becomes difficult for the other team.”

The Belgian should feature for Napoli in Sunday's gameweek 30 Serie A match with AC Milan at the Maradona. 

The Partenopei enter this weekend's round three points behind league-leading Inter Milan.