Thomas Tuchel admits the departure of Roman Abramovich will be a ‘massive change’ for Chelsea after the Russian confirmed his intention to sell the club.
Abramovich has released a statement on the club’s official website confirming he has made the ‘incredibly difficult decision’ to sell Chelsea, with the 55-year-old facing potential sanctions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and alleged links – which he has denied – to Vladimir Putin.
The Russian billionaire had on Saturday said that he would hand over ‘stewardship’ of Chelsea to the club’s foundation trustees, but has now confirmed he will look to sell the club and that the net proceeds would be donated to ‘all victims of the war in Ukraine’.
He also confirmed he had written off the £1.5bn worth of loans he has given to Chelsea since taking over at Stamford Bridge in 2003.
Tuchel was asked for his view on Abramovich’s impending exit and admits it will be a ‘massive change’ for the west London side.
“It’s a bit too early because it’s big news. It’s a bit too early to speak because I can only think about Chelsea with Roman Abramovich,” Tuchel said following Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Luton in the FA Cup’s fifth round.
“So it’s very hard for me. It hasn’t sunk in yet that this is going to stop. It’s a massive change of course.
“We did not talk about it [before the Luton match]. We did not talk about it, we accepted it. The players have internet connections, they watch TV so of course they knew, they get messages. But still we focused on the preparation only on sports.
“And maybe some players are more affected, some less, but in the end, we managed to focus, grow into this game and find the key to win it.
“I don’t think I need to talk about it, I don’t know as much as maybe you think. I’m not a CEO or member of the board. So, I’m very sure the club will speak to us and the players.
“I’m not so much worried because I still feel privileged and in a good place. And I still hope and trust for the best. I’m not so much the person who worries about things I cannot influence.
“It’s big news, it will be a big change, but I’m also never afraid of change, and will focus on what I can influence, and this is staff and team at Cobham.”
