Thomas Tuchel declared he does not fear about the future after Roman Abramovich’s stunning decision to sell Chelsea.
The German insisted he will handle the fall-out of the Russian oligarch’s departure – but added that the club need to clarify the situation to his players.
Abramovich announced he would end his 19-year ownership of the European champions right ahead of their FA Cup fifth round tie with Luton, which Chelsea won 3-2.
Tuchel said: “I’m not so much worried because I still feel privileged and I hope and trust for the best. I’m not so much a person who worries about things I cannot influence.
“It’s big news, it will be big change, but I’m never afraid of change and will focus on what I can influence, which is the team and my work at Cobham.
“I don’t think I need to talk about it to the players. I’m not the CEO. I’m not a member of the board and I’m very sure the club will speak to us and the players.
“I’m pretty sure some member of the board will talk to us to clarify the situation.
“It’s a bit too early for me to speak. It’s big news, but I can only think about Chelsea with Roman Abramovich. It’s very hard for me, it did not sink in yet, this is a massive change.”
Tuchel said his squad and staff were aware of speculation throughout the day, but that confirmation came late on.
He added: “Maybe I heard it a little earlier than you, but still very close to kick-off.
“We heard the rumours throughout the day, saw on TV, when we have team meetings and eat together everybody talks about it - it is big news.
“We are not living on an island, the players have internet - some are more concerned.
“To play on the same day a match where focus is absolutely key is not so easy and makes it a bigger performance.”
