Thomas Tuchel,
Chelsea manager, said his players cannot afford to show any despondency amid
off-field turmoil and that they have a responsibility towards behind-the-scenes
staff to remain focused during the club’s impending sale.

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The Premier
League club was put up for sale by owner Roman Abramovich following Russia’s
invasion of Ukraine. The UK imposed sanctions on the Russian oligarch,
effectively giving it control of the club.

Tuchel said he
was happy with his players’ focus as Chelsea advanced into the FA Cup semifinal
with a 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday. They have won all six games
since Abramovich put the club up for sale.

Also Read: Troubled Chelsea into FA Cup semis; Arsenal wins in league

“They have
impressed me, not surprised me,” Tuchel said. “At one point, we
needed to accept we didn’t cause the situation, we can’t influence the
situation, and we can’t change the situation no matter what we do or how much
we talk about it.

“I feel a
responsibility because there are people who are worried who are not in the
spotlight. My players and staff are privileged but we are concerned. There are
700 or 800 people working at Chelsea and are maybe existentially worried about
what will happen at the club.

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“For them,
it’s also my responsibility and everyone’s responsibility to show the right
spirit, positivity, and not go into self-pity and worry about a situation we
didn’t cause and can’t change.”

So far three bids
have been made to purchase Chelsea by groups led by British property developer
Nick Candy, Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family and the pairing of Martin
Broughton and Sebastian Coe, the president of World Athletics.

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Former Chelsea
captain John Terry joined a consortium looking to buy a 10% stake in the
Premier League club.

“I don’t
know anything about the offers, how many serious offers there are or who they
are from,” Tuchel said.

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“I am not so
much interested in the details of this process. When it gets crucial and
decisive, it is enough that I know it… The offers are in now and the board is
trying to find a decision with the government as soon as possible.”