Thomas Tuchel is aware that Chelsea supporters will protest tomorrow against the Ricketts' bid to buy the club from Roman Abramovich and says it is "one of the consequences" the family faces after patriarch Joe was accused of making 'Islamophobic' remarks in leaked emails three years ago.
Joe Ricketts has since said "I strongly believe bigoted ideas are wrong" and a spokesperson for the family – who own the Chicago Cubs – recently stated they reject hate speech of any form: "Our family rejects any form of hate in the strongest possible terms. Racism and Islamophobia have no place whatsoever in our society. We have developed deep and abiding partnerships with all the Muslim community in Chicago, as well as with all communities of colour.
"Respect for diversity and inclusion are central to our family's values. If we prevail in our bid for Chelsea, we commit to the Club and to the fans that we will actively promote these values."
READ MORE: Every word Thomas Tuchel said on Chelsea takeover, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Pulisic, Silva and more
That statement has done little to quell the opposition to the family's bid to buy Chelsea and supporters will protest ahead of the Premier League meeting with Brentford and Stamford Bridge. And when asked about the problematic statements reportedly made by Joe Ricketts, Tuchel said: "Nowadays you have to deal with it and you have to face the consequences if you are responsible for these kind of quotes.
"You have to face the consequences. If one of the consequences is that the fans do a protest or give their opinions you have to deal with it. I hope it will not disturb the team and the fans who support us will remember we have a team who is challenging in three competitions in a crucial moment of the season and don’t distract them in their approach to the stadium or in the stadium during the game. We have enough to deal with at the moment. We don’t need another issue."
When asked if he would like to meet the Ricketts to find out more about them, the Chelsea head coach added: "I give my own opinion and convince the fans that it’s not like this? No, it's better not to be involved because I think strongly what makes Chelsea strong is everybody knows his role and everybody knows their role is to play to the limit and push yourself to the limit.
"Also, it is to understand where your limits are and where your responsibilities lie. I don’t think that would suit me and would help any ongoing process with the sale. That’s why I think it does not help."
It has been reported that the four shortlisted bidders to purchase Chelsea – the Ricketts family; a consortium led by Todd Boehly; Sir Martin Broughton and Lord Sebastian Coe; and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca – would be given the opportunity to meet Tuchel and discuss their vision for the club.
However, the German admits he isn't sure he wants to be involved in the process. "Right now I don't know exactly what I would present. I would speak from my heart, from my experience, and openly and honestly. Maybe it would not be so much different from what you would hear from me because I am actually very, very happy and very impressed," he added.
"There is a lot of support and organisation and the mentality here in the club is here at Cobham on a daily basis where we are. I don’t think they need to hear it from me, and I am not even sure I am so keen to take part in this process. Once the decision is made then we will get round to their ideas and then try to adjust but there’s no hurry.”
