No assurances over future, says Thomas Tuchel despite Nick Candy pledge

The UK government sanctioned Abramovich in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the Premier League followed it up by disqualifying him as the director of Chelsea.

Asked what assurances he had been given by the club's hierarchy during a briefing this week, Tuchel told Sky Sports: "No assurances, and I think anybody who gives an assurance should not be trusted because no one knows - this is my opinion - what's coming.

"One week ago, the statement was clear: the club is not for sale. One week later, it is, obviously, so if anybody tells me today, 'This is what's going to happen', I will not trust them 100 per cent because we need to be flexible and things turn out to be crazy enough to be upside-down one day later."

Tuchel admitted football was largely irrelevant compared to what the people of Ukraine are currently going through.

He said: "It is hard to focus only on football, but as bad and as horrible as the situation is in Ukraine and the situation that Russia started this war, which is incredible and unacceptable and horrible, there are so many things which are much more important than football.

"There is so much more and there are so many more important jobs out there than mine, and that makes me feel uncomfortable because we are still very, very privileged."

British tycoon Nick Candy is someone who has been linked with buying Chelsea and should he become the new owner, then fans will be included in decision making at Stamford Bridge.

"We welcome the news that the sale of the club will be conducted quickly," said a spokesperson for 49-year-old Candy.

"This is a reassuring development for fans after a week of great uncertainty.

"Mr Candy cares hugely about the future of the club and believes that the fans and the community are central to its continued success.

"Should his bid be successful, Mr Candy would advocate for a fan representative to join the Board so supporters become part of the decision-making process.

"If the club requires money to operate in the short term, Mr Candy would be happy to help ensure it has the necessary financial resources, subject to government approval."

Kai Havertz's fine last-gasp finish sealed a nervy Chelsea's 1-0 Premier League win over resurgent Newcastle, providing rare distraction from the Blues' continued fears for their future.

Germany forward Havertz superbly brought down Jorginho's masterful lofted pass before slotting home, to cut through an otherwise stodgy affair and hand the Blues a fifth successive Premier League win.

Thomas Tuchel's relief was writ large by the Blues' German boss launching himself onto the field in exuberant celebration as Havertz netted the winner.

Two prospective Blues owners were even in the crowd, with both Candy and Sir Martin Broughton among those to witness Havertz's late moment of magic.

When asked to appraise the different situations of the two clubs, with Saudi Arabia engaged in military conflict in Yemen, Tuchel replied: "Wow, that is a big one. Unfortunately, the situation is like this also for the owners of Newcastle and that affects things, yes.

"What can I say? I don't want to point the finger because comparing yourself or blaming others does not make the situation for us a different situation.

"The statement (issued by the club a fortnight ago), that we condemn war and the actions from Russia towards Ukraine, there is no doubt.

"But we're facing the consequences actually at the moment and this is where the focus is. I hope you can understand.

"At some point, we need also to trust the process. For example, we need to trust the process of the Premier League as to who owns a club.

"We are famous employees because we speak into a camera and on TV, but in general, we are only employees and need to trust the process.

"Maybe as you need to trust the process that you work for a company that is not doing the morally and ethically wrong things. At some point, we need to trust.

"Maybe we need to ask questions about the process of how this goes. Maybe it's an ongoing process and it will never end. It just reminds us to be aware and conscious about it, and not look away."