https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/12551696/
Thomas Tuchel says he understands criticism of Chelsea after Russian
invasion of Ukraine
Saturday 26 February 2022 11:04, UK
Thomas Tuchel has said he understands criticism directed towards Chelsea
in response to the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.
After Russian troops crossed the border into 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.
Ahead of Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, Tuchel told
reporters 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.
He 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.
https://i.imgur.com/hFbCXUz.jpg
"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.
https://i.imgur.com/OxpMR6C.jpg
"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."
Chelsea will chase a third piece of silverware this season against
Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday, following on from their UEFA Super Cup win
and Club World Cup triumph last month.
While admitting such a significant distraction was not ideal for his
players' preparation, 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.
He 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."