Tuchel insists he’s happy at Chelsea despite government sanctions

• Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has finally spoken since the UK imposed sanctions on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich
• The sanctions came with a lot of effects on Chelsea Football Club and Tuchel has said he is happy at Chelsea despite the turmoils
• Chelsea have been handed several bans and even sponsors like Three UK have walked out of the club

Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has spoken publicly for the first time since Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government.

The Russian oligarch has had his UK assets frozen and is now unable to sell Chelsea unless he doesn’t benefit from a deal, and the government will have to approve of the transaction regardless.

Read: What Government sanctions means for Chelsea Football Club

The Blues will continue to operate under a special licence but have been hit with a number of restrictions, including a transfer embargo and the inability to sell further tickets and merchandise.

Tuchel addressed to the media prior to Chelsea’s Premier League match with Norwich on Thursday and spoke calmly about the ever-changing situation at Stamford Bridge.

“I don’t know if I’m concerned, but we’re aware of it – and it changes almost every day,” he said.

“We can’t do much about it, I’m still happy to be here and manager of a strong football team. I’m happy to play the match today, I know there’s a lot of noise around but we try our best to focus on football.

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has said he is happy at Chelsea despite the happenings at Stamford Bridge. | PHOTO: Getty Images |

“It’s a big change from yesterday to today, but we can’t influence it and we didn’t cause the situation. At the moment, it seems like business is more or less well protected, football-wise, but let’s see – it could change tomorrow.

“It’s not a relief, I feel privileged to have the chance to be involved in games and coaching and that’s what we can do.”

On Thursday, hours after the UK Government announced the sanctions, Chelsea played against Norwich City in the Premier League, a game The Blues defeated the Canaries 3-1 to cement their third place in the Premier League table.

Chelsea made the perfect start when Trevoh Chalobah rose highest amid a crowd of Norwich players to meet Mason Mount’s corner, and his header gave them a third-minute lead.

Minutes later, Mount was on target for his eighth goal of the season and despite Norwich pulling one from the penalty spot, Kai Havertz converted in the stoppage time to seal all the three points for The Blues.