Chelsea news: Thomas Tuchel says side have 'responsibility' to perform for club employees
- Planet Sport writer
- 14 March 2022
Despite the ongoing problems at Chelsea, the Blues secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Newcastle on the weekend, and Thomas Tuchel has urged his side to continue for the club's worried employees.
Following Roman Abramovich's sanctions, Chelsea's lack of financial backing has left the club worried for it's future.
The club's bank accounts were frozen last week, making it difficult for the side to travel, while all merchandise and ticket sales have been barred.
Despite the off-field problems, Thomas Tuchel and his side have managed to focus on winning games, with a 3-1 win over Norwich last week followed by a dramatic 1-0 against Newcastle on Sunday.
Rumours of the club's sale continue to rumble in the background, but for now players and staff must focus on getting by each day.
Waking up on Monday morning! 😤 pic.twitter.com/pSTt8o6peR
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 14, 2022
The club employ over 1,000 staff, and following Chelsea's weekend win, manager Thomas Tuchel urged his players to shoulder their "responsibility" to perform for everyone working around Stamford Bridge.
"I have the feeling that it is our responsibility to focus on what we do well and that is football and doing everything to win matches," said Tuchel. "We can't influence the situation, we are not responsible for the situation.
"But we have our responsibility, because we are in the spotlight and we have these games.
"It's a responsibility to our talent but also to every employee of Chelsea. There are a lot of people that I see on a daily basis who are worried and who have worked here for decades.
"They are not so famous but they are worried for a pretty close future, they wonder if things will be alright.
"So for all of them, it's important to have the attitude right and also to focus on that and see the responsibility and what this means to these people. Even if it's just for 90 minutes."
Pure emotion! 🤪#CheNew pic.twitter.com/0MMb5oUwAB
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 13, 2022
Tuchel likened the situation to when the club played through the Covid-19 pandemic, with the German coach hoping his side can bring fans hope.
"When we played football during corona, we knew we couldn't cure the virus," said Tuchel.
"But we tried to give some hope so people could feel joy, excitement, maybe even anger and entertainment.
"This is what we try to do now. The matter is very serious."
Chelsea are next in action against Lille on Wednesday night, for the second leg of their Champions League tie.
Despite Tuchel suggesting he was ready to "drive a seven seater car" to Lille in order to get his players to France, it's since been revealed that Chelsea have organised flights for players and staff.
The Blues are currently 2-0 up after their first leg success, and can book their spot in the quarter-finals if they avoid defeat.
