Thomas Tuchel says he does not know what impact Roman Abramovich’s announcement that he will sell Chelsea will have on the club after his side overcame Luton Town 3-2 in the FA Cup.
Abramovich on Wednesday confirmed he would sell up, saying the decision is “in the best interest of the club”.
The Russian stated that he will ask for any loans to be repaid and has instructed his team to set up a charitable foundation, where all net proceeds from the sale will be donated. Abramovich revealed the foundation would be for the benefit of all victims of the war in Ukraine.
Tuchel’s side was later caught cold on the pitch at Kenilworth Road on a massive day for the Blues, as Reece Burke and Harry Cornick edged Championship Luton ahead either side of Saul Niguez’s equaliser.
However, Timo Werner’s second-half strike restored parity before Romelu Lukaku delivered the decisive strike.
But the focus after the game turned back to Abramovich’s announcement, and Tuchel stated that it would be impossible for him to know what would happen following what the club’s owner described as “a tough decision” for him.
Tuchel told the BBC when asked about the situation at the Premier League club:
“Maybe I heard it a little bit earlier than you, but still, it was close to kick-off.
“We heard the rumours throughout the day, of course, it is on television when we have team meetings.
“And the guys are talking about it, everybody talks about it – it is big news.
“Let’s wait and see, hope for the best and see what the day brings.
“Every decision he takes for the club is the right decision.
“It’s his choice, it’s his club, and it’s not on me to comment.”
When pushed for an answer on what the news could mean in the short term, Tuchel responded:
“Even if I want to [tell you], I don’t exactly know.
“In the concise term, for us as a team, staff and players, hopefully, it won’t mean too much.
“And maybe change nothing, but the situation is now out there. It’s a big situation.
“I can understand that there will be a lot of reports, but we try to cancel the noise.
“As we always do, and to stay focused, which is not always easy.
“We showed again that we can do it, and we will try again on Saturday [against Burnley].”
A much-changed Chelsea was largely unconvincing against Nathan Jones’ Championship side.
But Tuchel was happy with a performance that meant more in the circumstances.
Asked if the result was of greater significance with the ongoings off the field, Tuchel added:
“Yeah, I think so. We’re not living on an island – the guys have an internet connection, the TV is running, and we see the news and the rumours.
“A match where the focus is important on the same day as something so intense is not normal.
“Of course, to win is not so easy, but it makes it a bigger performance, and that is why I’m very happy.”
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