“Thanks for ruining my evening!”


Thursday, March 17, 2022 at 08:08• Last update: 08:21

Chelsea qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday without too many problems. The Londoners were 1-2 too strong for Lille OSC and that was more than enough to reach the last eight after the 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge three weeks ago. A nice boost for the club that is in a serious crisis because of the sanctions that apply to the wealthy Russian owner Roman Abramovich. In the run-up to the duel in northern France, there was even more bad news, Thomas Tuchel discovered.

Chelsea will now have to play all European home games behind closed doors, UEFA has confirmed. In the Premier League allowed the Blues welcome season ticket holders to Stamford Bridge, but new sanctions from the European Union have forced the stands in the Champions League to remain completely empty. Abramovich has been added by the EU to the list of persons sanctioned for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. UEFA said it is “fully committed to implementing the imposed EU sanctions”.

Tuchel was asked after the 1-2 for his opinion about the measure. “Thank you for ruining my evening!” emphasized the German. “I was in such a good mood. Can’t we talk about it when it’s official? Let’s wait for the confirmation of the confirmation. I’m glad we’re in the last eight. We have had to overcome many obstacles. I am happy and proud. This is my first time hearing about it. In three days we play against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup and then we have an international break. Then I will think about a good answer.”

The measures against Abramovich affect Chelsea very directly. The club was already no longer allowed to sell individual match tickets in England and is now also losing its support in European duels. Chelsea supporters were therefore welcome for the last time in the eighth final match against Lille OSC on Wednesday evening. The tickets for that game had already been sold before the sanctions came into effect. Abramovich’s assets are now frozen across the EU and his travel ban also applies to the entire state.

The EU states that Abramovich “has had privileged access to Russian President Vladimir Putin and maintained very good relations with him”. “This bond with the Russian leader helped him preserve his considerable wealth.” So these are difficult times for Chelsea, but Tuchel notes that the unrest seems to have no effect on his players. Each of the five games since Chelsea’s sale was announced have been won. “From day one I learned that football is always number one at Chelsea. That culture of the club now helps us focus in a turbulent period. As a result, we continue to achieve good results, even if it is restless around us.”

“Chelsea is very clear in what it expects from every employee and player at the club. You have to want to push the limits and take responsibility. That brings out the best in people. So I’m very proud that we’re back in it.” managed to reach the last eight,” said Tuchel.