Pep Guardiola expressed sympathy with Thomas Tuchel and his players after Chelsea were impacted by the sanctions placed upon their owner.
Roman Abramovich has had his assets frozen by the UK government in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with Chelsea affected as one of his assets. As it stands, the club cannot sell tickets for games beyond the season ticket sales that are already accounted for and will be unable to conduct business in the transfer window.
City's manager was asked about the revelations ahead of his press conference preparing for their Premier League game with Crystal Palace on Monday. And while he did not want to comment on the club sanctions without knowing the full story, Guardiola had words for the playing staff.
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"I don't have an opinion, sorry," he said on the sanctions. "I saw the headlines but I don't know exactly the reason why it happened. Let me have a few more days to let me know the reason why but I don't know.
"I don't know what's going to happen next time. For Thomas Tuchel and the players, it's uncomfortable. I feel sorry for them because they are there to do their jobs. For the rest, I don't know. I have to wait.
"This situation, why he's banned, I don't know the reason why. I don't know, maybe next press conference I have a clearer opinion, speak with my CEO to see the exact reason why."
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