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FootballThomas Tuchel Makes Worrying Admission About Chelsea Amid Criticism of Club’s Russian Owner Roman Abramovic
- Tuchel admitted the criticism being directed at Chelsea football club in response to Russia’s invasion if Ukraine was justified
- Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic has come under scrutiny because of his ties with President Vladimir Putin
- Liverpool play Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, but Tuchel says there is a wave of uncertainty surrounding Chelsea
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says he understands the criticism that is being directed towards the club in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The London Blues is owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovic, who has come under fire since Thursday, February 24.
Abramovic is believed to be close friends with Russia president Vladimir Putin.
"We should not pretend this is not an issue," said Tuchel ahead of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool.
"The situation in general [in Ukraine] for me and for my staff, and for everybody at Cobham, the players, is horrible.
"Nobody expected this. It's pretty unreal, like I said it's clouding our minds, it's clouding our excitement towards the final.
UK’S Labour MP Chris Bryant recently told the House of Commons that he believed Abramovic should have his assets seized, and questioned whether the Russian billionaire should be allowed to operate a football club himself.
Bryant further claimed that he had a leaked document that suggested Abramovic should not be able to stay in the United Kingdom.
“Focus on Sports”
While Tuchel admitted he was well aware of the situation, he also made it known that club staff and players would try to focus on sports instead.
"We are aware of it, we have not maybe so much inside information as you might think," Tuchel went on.
"But I think it's also the right from the team, the staff, and I include myself, to be maybe not political, to do sports and to focus on sports.
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FootballChelsea play Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the Carabao Cup on Sunday, February 27.
Meanwhile, police are expecting disruption from anti-Russia protestors during tomorrow’s Carabao final.
As a precautionary measure, the FA have put in place an upgraded security operation ahead of the game.