N’Golo Kante has lifted the lid on the reaction inside the Chelsea dressing room to Roman Abramovich’s decision to sell the club.
Amid increased scrutiny on his position following Russia ’s invasion of Ukraine, Abramovich initially decided to transfer “stewardship” of the club to the trustees of the Chelsea charitable foundation.
As the pressure ramped up, with Labour MP Chris Bryant calling for his ownership to be banned , Abramovich then announced on Wednesday that he is trying to sell Chelsea .
The Russian billionaire, who bought Chelsea in 2003 for around £140million, has insisted he is trying to sell because it is “in the best interests of the club” and said the net proceeds would be “for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine”.
The news has dominated the football agenda for the past week and Chelsea midfielder Kante has revealed the players were just as shocked as the public by the speed of Abramovich’s decision.
“It’s something we were not prepared [for], it came quickly,” he told Sky Sports News.
“But the only thing we can do – because we don’t control these things – is to do the best that we have always done.
“Which means that playing football at the best [possible level], for us, for the club, for the fans and see how the things are going and it’s the only thing we can control.”
Chelsea beat Luton Town 3-2 in the FA Cup on Wednesday night in a game overshadowed by events off the pitch.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel gave his reaction to what he called “big news” straight after the game in a pitchside interview with BBC Sport.
"Even if I want to answer, I don't exactly know it,” he admitted when asked what Abramovich’s decision meant for the club.
"In the very short term I think for us as a team, staff and players, hopefully not too much, maybe it will change nothing.
"But the situation is now out there, it is a big situation so I can understanding there will be a lot of reports.
"But we'll do what we try to do, to cancel the noise and to stay focused which is not always easy. We showed again today we are able to do it and we try again on Saturday."
Abramovich has reportedly already made headway in his efforts to achieve a quick sale of Chelsea.
An American-Swiss consortium, composed of Hansjorg Wyss and Todd Boehly, is said to be confident of agreeing a deal over the weekend.
The takeover could be announced as early as Monday, with Abramovich then handing over control of the club he has owned since 2003.
“I believe this is in the best interest of the club, the fans, the employees, as well as the club’s sponsors and partners,” Abramovich said in a statement.
"The sale of the club will not be fast-tracked but will follow due process.
"I will not be asking for any loans to be repaid. This has never been about business nor money for me, but about pure passion for the game and club.”
