Guardiola Sends Chelsea Players, Thomas Tuchel Special Message Amid Stamford Bridge Woes

• Pep Guardiola has said he feels sorry for Chelsea players at Thomas Tuchel in the wake of Roman Abramovich's sanctions
• Abramovich, who has owned the Blues since 2003 was slapped with sanctions by the UK government over his alleged connection with Vladimir Putin
• Chelsea are currently operating under a special licence but have been limited from engaging in a number of activities including the transfer business

Man City boss Pep Guardiola has sent a special message to Chelsea players and his compatriot Thomas Tuchel after Blues owner Roman Abramovich was slapped with sanctions by the UK government.

Abramovich is among a number of wealthy Russian businessmen to be sanctioned in the ake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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The development means Abramovich will now be unable to sell Chelsea despite putting up the Premier League club for sale.

It is understood the Blues have since been issued a special operating licence to allow them to honour their upcoming league matches and pay staff.

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However, Metro UK reports the club will be unable to take part in the transfer business - including buying or selling players or discussing new contracts.

Pep Guardiola speaks on Chelsea crisis

Guardiola is among the Premier League's high-profile figures to delve into the Chelsea crisis, revealing he "feels sorry" for Tuchel and the players.

However, the Spaniard did not share much when he was asked about what he made of the happenings at Stamford Bridge.

"Let me have a few more days to let me know the reason why but I don’t know. I don’t know what’s going to happen next," Pep said as quoted by Metro UK.

"For Thomas Tuchel and the players, it’s uncomfortable. It is a difficult position. I feel sorry for them because they are there to do their jobs. For the rest, I don’t know. I have to wait," he added.

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Rudiger on verge of leaving Chelsea

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has reportedly resolved to leave Stamford Bridge at the end of the season amid a crisis that has rocked the club.

It is understood the Blues are in danger of losing no fewer than nine first-team squad members who have entered the final stages of their current deals.

Rudiger is one such player who could depart the club after talks over a contract extension slowing down.