Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Thomas Tuchel responds to Chelsea exit rumours after Roman Abramovich sanctioned

Thomas Tuchel insists he is "happy" to be the Chelsea boss despite talk of him leaving the club.

The Blues have been plunged in to uncertain after owner Roman Abramovich saw his assets frozen by the UK Government as they clamp down on Russian oligarchs.

That has seen sanctions placed on the club and means any quick fire sale of the west Londoners is unlikely to happen.

Chelsea's activity on and off the pitch, which includes player contracts and transfers, is now prohibited.

As a result their German coach, who led them to Champions League glory last term, was linked with the exit door as his hands are now somewhat tied.

Thomas Tuchel has no plans to leave Chelsea (AFP via Getty Images)

However Tuchel has dismissed the noise around his future and underlined his commitment.

He told BBC Sport : "Actually, I'm not sure I am concerned but I am aware of it. It changes almost every day.

"I am still happy to be here and still happy to be manager of a strong team. I know there is a lot of noise around.

When pressed on more information he then added: "I don't have another answer for you.

"Well, relief would mean that we’re struggling with all the information and news out there, it’s quite a big change from yesterday to today but yeah we can’t influence it, we didn’t cause the situation.

"In the moment it seems that business, let’s say football-wise is more or less protected, but let’s see."

Tuchel has only been in the job for just over a year and knows full well how the world of management works, but has referred to his current role as a "joy" despite the club's current predicament.

He added: "It can change tomorrow and then we need to see. It’s not a relief, for me personally it’s a joy.

"A joy all the time to arrive even in situations where noise or circumstances are so obvious even more so I feel privileged to have the chance to be involved in games, in coaching, in football, this is what I love."

Chelsea have seen their travel budget restricted under the sanctions whilst they can also no longer sell tickets for matches at Stamford Bridge.

The club themselves released a statement saying: "Chelsea Football Club has been advised that its owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK Government.

Action taken against Roman Abramovich has cast doubt over the club's future (Getty Images)

"By virtue of his 100 per cent ownership of Chelsea FC plc and affiliated entities, Chelsea FC would normally be subject to the same sanctions regime as Mr Abramovich.

"However, the UK Government has issued a general licence that permits Chelsea FC to continue certain activities.

"We will fulfil our men’s and women’s team fixtures today against Norwich and West Ham, respectively, and intend to engage in discussions with the UK Government regarding the scope of the licence.

"This will include seeking permission for the licence to be amended in order to allow the Club to operate as normal as possible.

"We will also be seeking guidance from the UK Government on the impact of these measures on the Chelsea Foundation and its important work in our communities.

"The Club will update further when it is appropriate to do so."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.