The past three-and-a-half weeks have been the most tumultuous at Chelsea for almost two decades. It started with Roman Abramovich attempting to place the running of the club in the hands of its foundation's trustees, pivoted to the Russian opting to sell, and continued with the UK government and EU hitting the Blues owner with sanctions.
As a result of the latter, Chelsea are operating under a special licence granted by the government. And while the day-to-day for Thomas Tuchel and his players has not been hugely impacted as yet, there are genuine concerns as to what happens if a sale isn't completed swiftly.
On the pitch, Chelsea are thriving amid uncertainty and have won their last six games across all competitions. Those who've followed the Blues for years are unlikely to be surprised by that. There isn't another club in European football that seemingly relishes chaos quite like Chelsea.
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Tuchel has been in the eye of the storm. It is the German coach who has – unfairly – had to answer difficult questions about Abramovich, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the sale of the club, and plenty more. That he has come through it all with a huge amount of credit is a testament to his empathy, understanding, authority, and assuredness.
But even Tuchel, as brilliant a coach and excellent spokesman as he is, requires a break from the pressure and uncertainty that has engulfed Chelsea. It's why the current international break is likely to prove hugely beneficial for the 48-year-old ahead of the Premier League run-in, Champions League quarter-finals, and FA Cup semi-finals.
Tuchel, his staff, and the majority of the first-team players have this week off to get away and unwind. Some have already headed abroad and others will do so in the days ahead. The Chelsea head coach, though, is staying at his home in Surrey and will disconnect by enjoying some family time.
"There will be long walks in the forest around here [with my dog] which is beautiful," Tuchel said on Friday. "Hopefully, the weather stays like this (sunshine). I'll be doing the normal stuff: taking care of the children, taking them to school, picking them up. Being around them is the best distraction I can have.
"I learned to do this [disconnect]. I had to. I found it very hard in the beginning as a professional coach. I struggled a lot with it, to not be able to switch off, to not think about it night and day. It is always like this. If you love something so much and have a passion for football, and then it becomes your profession, it is not at five or six o'clock that you leave and drive home and tomorrow you're finished.
"There are still games on, thoughts about players and what to do. It is sometimes still like it but I have trained myself that it is not good to stay in the process and in the mind and thinking process too long. Everybody needs to disconnect, breathe and see clearer.
"I had to learn it for myself and I am still training myself. I need to be disciplined in it and like I said my dogs and kids help as a natural source of inspiration and enjoyment to calm down. You have to take care of yourself to not get totally lost in it."
