Thomas Tuchel revealed Chelsea’s players overcame the disruption of Roman Abramovich’s sanctions with a ‘business as usual’ approach to their clash with Norwich.
The European champions won 3-1 at Carrow Road to tighten their grip in third place and put some gloss on a turbulent day.
Tuchel claimed the prospect of a trip Norwich helped focus the minds of his players at time when so much uncertainty surrounds the clubs.
Chelsea showed little sign of the burden of Abramovich’s sanctions hanging over them as they raced to a 2-0 half time lead and then withstood a Norwich fightback to make sure of the three points with Kai Havertz’ last-minute strike.
Tuchel said: “Today was another level of distraction and another level of with all that’s happening with the sanctions.
“But in the day to day, like how we arrive to the game, everything was organised, it was pretty much business as usual with a lot of noise around, but the schedule of the day helps you. You go into your routine.”
Tuchel added: “Of course, there was a lot of distraction, another level of distraction actually with the sanctions. We could feel it, the players talk about it, they’re aware of it. We accepted it.
“I think the rhythm, the excitement, the love for the game, in general, helps us. We allowed ourselves and demanded ourselves to work hard, to sweat it out, to work together, and it was the best thing to get the focus back and enjoy what we are doing.
“Full credit, the team showed very good character and we can be proud that they produced performances like this under the circumstances. It tells us we are right to trust them, that the attitude is right, and the culture of the club is right.
“So we keep on going.”
