Thomas Tuchel has said he understands criticism directed towards Chelsea in response to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has stated that he understands why the Blues have come under criticism following Russia attack on Ukraine on Tuesday.
Labour MP Chris Bryant told the House of Commons Chelsea owner and Russian-Israeli billionaire Roman Abramovich should have his assets seized, questioned whether he should be allowed to operate a football club himself, and quoted a leaked government document suggesting he should not be allowed to be based in the UK.
Tuchel told reporters ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool the situation in Ukraine, and the potential consequences, was “clouding” his squad’s thoughts and defended their desire to focus on football as the conflict escalated.
Tuchel said: “We shouldn’t pretend this is not an issue. The situation for everyone here is horrible. Nobody expected this, it’s pretty unreal. It’s clouding our minds, and our excitement towards the final. It brings huge uncertainty, much more to all people in the moment more involved than us. We send our best wishes and regards to them, obviously.
“Still there are so many uncertainties around the situation of our club, in the UK with scenarios like this, that it makes no sense if I comment on it. We’re aware of it, we haven’t got so much insight or inside information than you might think, and in the very end, I think it’s also the right from the team and staff to be not political, to focus on sports. Not because we are hiding, but the situation is clear, it’s horrible, no doubt about it.
“I’d love to take my right not to comment on it until there is a decision made. It’s distracting us, it’s worrying us, to a certain degree I can understand it, I can understand the critical opinions towards the club and us who represent it. We cannot fully free ourselves from it.
“But maybe people can understand me as the coach, and players as players, we don’t have the insight what is going on and how much the owner is involved in all this – we don’t feel responsible for what’s going on, it’s horrible and there can’t be a doubt about it, war in Europe is unthinkable for me for a long period of time.
“Let’s wait, the impact is clear, and the discussions have an impact, but let’s be a bit more patient and understand what the measurements will be and then maybe we’ll deal with it.”
Tuchel said the thought of putting the conflict in Eastern Europe to the back of their minds was not a realistic option for the squad.
Tuchel added: “The situation is too big [to shut out]. It’s not an isolated situation, it concerns Europe, we’re a part of Europe, we cannot say let’s put it to the side. It’s the opposite, we have to live with it right now, there is no running away from it.
“We’re privileged to live in peace and freedom where we are right now, and to have a game of football in an emotional but peaceful environment with fans in the stadium. It’s a hardcore reality check of how privileged we are, I don’t think it will go away that my mind is clouded and I don’t think it will go away for anybody, because it’s too big.”
