‘It’s pretty unreal’ – Tuchel reacted to MP comments on seizing Chelsea from Roman Abramovich after latest Russia invasion
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been linked with the invasion as he’s one of Russia’s richest men, and of course a friend of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, Earlier this week, the government announced it would impose sanctions on three billionaires with close links to Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of the UK’s response to Russia’s invasion.
Labour MP Chris Bryant has urged the UK government to seize Roman Abramovich’s assets including Chelsea Football Club.
Speaking ahead of the Carabao Cup final, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was asked about the Russia-Ukraine incident.
The Blues boss said that he can’t say much of the incident as he doesn’t have much information about it, but admitted that he can’t pretend how big an issue it is.
“We shouldn’t pretend this is not an issue. The situation for everyone here is horrible.
“Nobody expected this, it’s pretty unreal. It’s clouding our minds, and our excitement towards the final.
“It brings huge uncertainty, much more to all people in the moment more involved than us. We send our best wishes and regards to them, obviously.
“Still there are so many uncertainties around the situation of our club, in the UK with scenarios like this, that it makes no sense if I comment on it.
“We’re aware of it, we haven’t got so much insight or inside information than you might think, and in the very end, I think it’s also the right from the team and staff to be not political, to focus on sports. Not because we are hiding, but the situation is clear, it’s horrible, no doubt about it.
“I’d love to take my right not to comment on it until there is a decision made. It’s distracting us, it’s worrying us, to a certain degree I can understand it, I can understand the critical opinions towards the club and us who represent it. We cannot fully free ourselves from it.
“But maybe people can understand me as the coach, and players as players, we don’t have the insight what is going on and how much the owner is involved in all this – we don’t feel responsible for what’s going on, it’s horrible and there can’t be a doubt about it, war in Europe is unthinkable for me for a long period of time.
“Let’s wait, the impact is clear, and the discussions have an impact, but let’s be a bit more patient and understand what the measurements will be and then maybe we’ll deal with it.”