Tuchel Admits The Impact Of Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine Disrupted Chelsea's Preparations Against Liverpool

JAKARTA – Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel feels his club is under a burden as a result of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Moreover, they are preparing for the match against Liverpool.

Chelsea will face Liverpool in the English League Cup final at Wembley Stadium, London, on Sunday, 27 February. However, the preparation was slightly disturbed because of the uncertainty of the future of the owner of the Russian club, Roman Abramovich, due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich, who bought Chelsea in 2003, has so far not faced any sanctions from England over Russia's move to Ukraine. However, his name was dragged into the British parliament on Thursday, February 24 when British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, launched Britain's biggest sanctions against Russia.

Tuchel said he was aware of the contents of the discussions between the British MPs. In the discussion, Abramovich's name was dragged along because he had close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

"I would like to take my right not to comment on this until a decision is made but we are aware of it and it bothers us, it worries us," Tuchel said.

In the British parliament, there have been suggestions that the Chelsea boss's assets should be confiscated by the UK, including allegations of corruption against him. The proposal came after Russia launched a military operation into Ukraine.

All that was raised by MP from the British Labor Party, Chris Bryant, while speaking at the British lower house of parliament (House of Commons). He claims to have leaked documents from the UK Home Office indicating that the Chelsea owner should not be allowed to stay in the UK.

The document, dated 2019, says Roman Abramovich is under scrutiny for his links to Russia and alleged links to corrupt practices.

"To a certain degree I can understand opinions and opinions critical of the club, against us who represent the club. I can understand that and we can't completely free ourselves from that," Tuchel added.

"Maybe people understand that I as a coach or a player, we don't have any insight into what really happened. At the moment we don't feel responsible for any of this. [However], we feel it's terrible and there's no denying it."

Tuchel added that he and his squad would try their best to shift their focus to the Premier League Cup final, although that would be a bit difficult for them to do because of the war between the two countries taking place in Europe.

"It concerns Europe. This war is in Europe and we are part of Europe. We can't say let's put this aside. There is no way out. Nobody has closed the door and now we are focused on football. We still have the privilege of living. in peace and freedom where we are now," said the German.