COMMENT: So the dust's settled. The manager and his centre-forward are back on the same page. Problem is, for all the apologies. For all the heart-to-hearts. None of it is going to change what sparked this entire Romelu Lukaku controversy...

If the goals were flowing. If his game was clicking. Lukaku isn't talking like he did with Sky Italia a month ago. He isn't complaining about Thomas Tuchel's system. He isn't talking up the idea of signing for other clubs. No such thoughts are being raised.

Problem is, it hasn't clicked for Lukaku this season. He isn't the player he was with Inter Milan. And he's failing to live up to his own declarations about being among the world's best: "I don't want to rank that group from one to five, but I'm part of it right now..."

Instead, it's now excuses. Deflection. Others are to blame - particularly the manager. And it all came out in that Italian interview - one which was held without Chelsea's knowledge. Even his agent, Federico Pastorello, was blindsided. Indeed, he did it twice. The Sky Italia sit-down has been the focus, but he said much the same in conversation with ESPN Brasil. He wanted "clarity" from Tuchel, who he accused of "changing the system". The German, of course, would later insist he'd been wide open with Lukaku, taking him through step by step how he wants to play and where.

Then came Monday's meeting. More clear-the-air talks. An apology. Some clarification. And after omission for the draw with Liverpool, a recall for the Carabao Cup semifinal win against Tottenham.

But the problem is still there. The issues still exist. Lukaku isn't getting anywhere near the levels he produced in an Inter Milan shirt. He's talked a good game. But the performances haven't matched the words, particularly in big matches.

For near 100 million quid, Chelsea should be demanding more. For the way he arrived, they should expect more. Instead, we had excuses. Some claim Lukaku was being honest, 'refreshing', was the buzz word of the week. But he spoke like someone with regret. Pining to be somewhere else: “I'm always thinking about Milano, Milano, Milano... Inter fans are the best in the world. I love the city and the best moment of my career was at Inter. I am in love with Italy - I have Inter in my heart."

Lukaku was welcomed back by Stamford Bridge for the Carabao Cup semifinal

These weren't the words of someone wanting to be part of something. To be willing to row in the same direction. There was no contrition. No willingness to concede his role in these current form struggles. It was others who were at fault.

But the "noise", as Tuchel described it, has helped. Not Chelsea. Not management, who have spent the past week scrambling to protect their No9 from the furious backlash of fans stunned by such disloyalty. But it has helped Lukaku, because all this "noise" again takes the scrutiny away from what he's producing on matchday.

As mentioned, for some he's the outspoken professional athlete with the 'refreshing' take. For others, he's the unappreciative villain, insulting the very fans whom welcomed him back home in August. But none of this has anything to do with his game. His form. His contribution. It takes away the spotlight on why Lukaku spoke out as he did.

“This interview shows the weakness of an athlete who after six months gives up, perhaps because he arrived there with the arrogance of someone who doesn't realise what his real level is.

“Chelsea played much better without Lukaku. He is a fragile player, so he seems to have character, but when he talks like that, the truth is he is very fragile."

That was Paolo di Canio, a legend at West Ham and Lazio, and to be fair, one who is no fan of Lukaku. But this is the opinion that the Belgian needs to face down. Di Canio is no Robinson Crusoe. And for all the praise and plaudits he reveled in while with Inter, Lukaku still has it all to prove again now back in England.

As it stands, he's not a top five player. Not globally. Not in the Premier League. Maybe even not, in terms of performance, at Chelsea. The transfer fee says otherwise. As does the bank account. But on the pitch, Lukaku the player isn't matching Lukaku the talker.

And as we said, he does talk a good game, does Lukaku. He did as much - again - with Sky Italia. Those words, as controversial as they were, have gained Lukaku, the footballer, some respite. A break from the scrutiny.

But even with he and Tuchel being back on the same page. These problems will persist unless Lukaku can actually prove himself a genuine £100m Premier League player.