THOMAS TUCHEL has distanced himself from Chelsea’s appeal to the FA to play their Cup tie at Middlesbrough behind closed doors.
After the Blues board were condemned, following an attempt to make the case the game should be played in front of no fans, Tuchel has backed a U-turn.
The German said: “I think the proposal was withdrawn and it was absolutely the right thing to do, because that was from our side and hopefully it was not meant like this.”
And under the terms and conditions of their latest restriction, it states that Chelsea are unable to sell tickets until a takeover has been complete.
As a result, the Blues are asking for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors.
Meanwhile, Kai Havert has revealed that he is willing to fund his own travel for the away fixture.
Keep reading to find out more on the situation surrounding Chelsea’s ownership problems.
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Aethel joins Blues hunt
Aethel Partners have become the latest bidders to emerge as groups compete to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.
The London-based equity firm have thrown their hats into the ring ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.
The Times’ Martyn Ziegler reports that they are ready to pay more than £2billion for the crisis club.
Should their bid be successful, they plan to keep Thomas Tuchel and his current staff in place.
They have also pledged to immediately invest £50million in order to ‘keep the club solvent’.
Their executive chairman is Portuguese entrepreneur Ricardo Silva.
Aethel Partners would like to redevelop Stamford Bridge on its current site.
A number of candidates to buy Chelsea have already emerged. Blues season ticket holder Nick Candy is eager to buy his boyhood club. The luxury property developer is putting together a consortium and has been backed by former star Gianluca Vialli.
Tuchel up to third favourite for Utd job
Thomas Tuchel is in contention to become Manchester United manager at the beginning of the 2022-23 campaign.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who’ve installed the Chelsea tactician at 7/2 to switch his allegiances from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils will look to accelerate their hunt for a permanent appointment over the next few weeks.
And the Daily Star claim that United CEO Richard Arnold has pinpointed Tuchel as the club’s preferred option, ahead of Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag.
Arnold supposedly wants a deal in place BEFORE the end of the current season. And the growing uncertainty surrounding Chelsea’s ownership has given United ‘genuine hope’ that Tuchel is now available.
The Athletic also report that the 48-year-old would be ‘open’ to speaking with United representatives and hearing their proposals. Club legend Paul Scholes believes United should be desperately trying to take advantage of the uncertainty at Chelsea.
BETFAIR ODDS
Mauricio Pochettino – 6/4
Erik ten Hag – 11/4
Thomas Tuchel – 7/2
Antonio Conte – 10/1
Ralf Rangnick – 16/1
Diego Simeone – 20/1
Simone Inzaghi – 20/1
Zinedine Zidane – 25/1
Didier Deschamps – 33/1
Julian Nagelsmann – 33/1
Luis Enrique – 33/1
Carlo Ancelotti – 33/1
Roberto Mancini – 33/1
Graham Potter – 33/1
Julen Lopetegui – 33/1Parimatch off for Blues
A Chelsea sponsor with links to Ukraine is the latest to suspend commercial activity with the club.
But Parimatch Tech, whose joint chief executives are Ukrainian, will continue to use their LED screens at Stamford Bridge.
That’s in order to promote relief efforts in the wartorn country.
Parimatch Tech promotes the online gambling site Parimatch, as well as providing technological and marketing support to the gambling and entertainment industries.
It signed a three-year deal with Chelsea last autumn.
But the UK Government’s decision to sanction Blues owner Roman Abramovich because of his close links to Russian president Vladimir Putin has caused particular issues for the Cyprus-based company.
CEOs Roman Syrotian and Maksym Liashko are both Ukrainian.
And they studied in the capital Kyiv before embarking on business careers.
Parimatch Tech said in a statement: “After considering the situation, we have decided to pause all joint marketing and brand campaigns with the Club featuring the Parimatch logo and brand.
“Together with our licensed partner in Great Britain, we have agreed to use the LED display systems at Stamford Bridge exclusively for the promotion of our volunteering and donation activities to help Ukraine, which Chelsea FC are supportive of.”
Be scared to Tuch us
During what has been an incredibly tumultuous time within the game of football and the wider world, Thomas Tuchel has won admirers with the manner in which he has handled himself and answered each question put to him with respect and clarity.
However, the Chelsea manager may have saved his best response until last night when discussing his side’s place in the last eight of the Champions League.
When asked which side he would prefer to avoid in the quarter-finals, the German coach smiled warmly and said: “I want us to be the team nobody wants to play.
“That’s the role we want to see ourselves in for this last eight.”
Lampard fears for Chelsea friends
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has revealed his fears for Stamford Bridge staff facing job losses in the fallout of Roman Abramovich’s sanction.
The club’s all-time top scorer may be currently concerned with trying to save Everton from relegation, but as the crisis deepens, he declared: “My focus has to be on Everton, but I was a player there for 13 years and manager for a couple of years too.
“So on a human level I care very much about those at Chelsea who might be losing their jobs. It’s a tough moment for the club and for them and I care also about the supporters.
“It’s a situation that is possibly difficult for the players and what might be happening to those who are maybe coming to their contract end.”
Three Lions select Mount and James
Chelsea duo Reece James and Mason Mount have been selected in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming friendlies with Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
There’s also a place for Conor Gallagher, Crystal Palace’s on-loan Blues midfielder, plus a first senior call-up for former Chelsea youngster, Marc Guehi.
Guehi isn’t the only Chelsea academy graduate to be included in the 25 either with Roma striker Tammy Abraham picked among the forwards.
GOALKEEPERS
- Jordan Pickford (Everton)
- Nick Pope (Burnley)
- Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
DEFENDERS
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
- Conor Coady (Wolves)
- Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
- Reece James (Chelsea)
- Harry Maguire (Man Utd)
- Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)
- Luke Shaw (Man Utd)
- John Stones (Man City)
- Ben White (Arsenal)
MIDFIELDERS
- Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
- Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace)
- Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
- Mason Mount (Chelsea)
- Declan Rice (West Ham)
- James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
FORWARDS
- Tammy Abraham (Roma)
- Phil Foden (Man City)
- Jack Grealish (Man City)
- Harry Kane (Tottenham)
- Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
- Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)
- Raheem Sterling (Man City)
Parimatch pull plug on sponsorship
Sports betting company Parimatch have become the latest of Chelsea’s partners to distance themselves from the club, according to The Mail’s Sami Mokbel.
A statement from the firm read: “After considering the situation, we have decided to pause all joint marketing and brand campaigns with the Club featuring the Parimatch logo and brand.”
Action was taken following sanctions against Chelsea and their owner Roman Abramovich given the oligarch’s close links with Russia president Vladimir Putin.
Parimatch was founded in Ukraine capital Kyiv in 1994, and yesterday doubled its financial assistance for the people of Ukraine to £1.5 million.
Fans may yet see quarters
Chelsea hope that their supporters may yet be allowed to buy tickets for the home leg of their forthcoming Champions League quarter-final.
It was widely understood that the club would be forced to play the last eight tie behind closed doors following sanctions placed upon them and owner Roman Abromivich.
However, The Telegraph report that the Government are planning talks with Uefa in the hope of finding a resolution that allows fans to attend.
Officials are supposedly waiting until after Friday’s draw before approaching the subject.
Tuchel: We want to be feared
During what has been an incredibly tumultuous time within the game of football and the wider world, Thomas Tuchel has won admirers with the manner in which he has handled himself and answered each question put to him with respect and clarity.
However, the Chelsea manager may have saved his best response until last night when discussing his side’s place in the last eight of the Champions League.
When asked which side he would prefer to avoid in the quarter-finals, the German coach smiled warmly and said: “I want us to be the team nobody wants to play.
“That’s the role we want to see ourselves in for this last eight.”
Blues waiting to approach Gavi
Chelsea’s current sanctions have not stopped the club from planning for the future with the Londoners ready to submit an offer for Barcelona wonderkid Gavi as soon as they’re under new ownership.
The 17-year-old starlet has enjoyed a wonderful season having broken through at the Nou Camp, and even won four senior caps for his country at the end of last year.
However, negotiations on a new professional deal have stalled with Barca chiefs, and reports in Spain suggest that the two parties are a considerable distance apart when it comes to reaching an agreement.
The developments have alerted all of Europe’s major clubs, but The Blues are understood to be particularly keen on the cultured midfielder, who would be available for a cool £42 million this summer.
Vialli backs Candy consortium bid
Former Chelsea star Gianluca Vialli has spoken out in support of Nick Candy’s attempt to buy the club, and indicated he is helping the property tycoon in his endeavour.
The Italian, who both played and managed The Blues in the late 1990s, released a statement announcing that his investment company, Tifosy Capital & Advisory, had also been brought it as part of Candy’s £2.5 billion offer to purchase the club he so ardently supports.
Vialli’s statement read: “I am proud and feel very privileged to support Mr Candy’s bid to buy Chelsea Football Club.
“I have met Nick Candy on a number of occasions over the last few weeks and I am fully behind his visions and commitment to make Chelsea the most globally recognised and supported club in the world, as well as maintaining the ongoing success on the pitch.
“We share the same view that if the bid is successful, we will try to be the best possible custodians of the club, knowing that it is imperative that supporter concerns are front and centre of any owner’s priorities.”
New deal off for Rudiger
Chelsea are preparing for life without Antonio Rudiger – despite having agreed a new contract with the German defender.
The centre-back had reportedly said yes to personal terms on a new mega-deal at Stamford Bridge before the club was hit by sanctions.
Major restrictions in place at Stamford Bridge prevent The Blues from signing players or offering current staff new contracts.
The developments have left other clubs on red alert and ready to raid the Londoners with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus all thought to be interested in talking to Rudiger.
The 29-year-old’s departure will be particularly frustrating for supporters with negotiations having rumbled on for months prior to the recent sanctions.
Chelsea to learn CL fate
So much uncertainty still engulfs Chelsea, but the football club will at least be able to start planning for their Champions League quarter-final tomorrow morning.
The draw for both the last eight and the semi-finals will be made at 11am on Friday at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.
However, the Premier League outfit are still unsure as to whether they will be able to sell tickets to supporters following sanctions against owner Roman Abramovich in both the UK and the EU. A game behind closed doors – especially at Stamford Bridge – seems the most likely outcome.
Friday is also D-Day when it comes to perspective owners with any interested parties having until then to submit official bids to buy the Londoners.
Morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals – but it’s not known where owner Roman Abramovich is sailing.
Meanwhile, Seb Coe hopes American bidders for Chelsea will jog on after the Olympic legend joined the race to buy out Abramovich.
Russian oligarch Abramovich’s two megayachts are said to be heading for safe haven Turkey after he was hit by Government sanctions.
In contrast, the Blues don’t know who awaits next in what could be a last-eight tie played behind closed doors.
Christian Pulisic and skipper Cesar Azpilicueta sealed their 2-1 comeback win in Lille and 4-1 success on aggregate.
Boss Thomas Tuchel said: “It’s so nice that so many fans are here and took the time to travel and support the team.
“It feels brilliant. We’re in the quarter-finals. It’s a big step. We showed again resilience and overcame difficulties… We got a deserved win.
“But the attention around Stamford Bridge remains firmly on the takeover saga.
And it’s something of a sprint for middle-distance running legend Coe as the deadline for bidding approaches.
The London Olympics chief has joined ex-Liverpool chairman Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium team.
Lord Coe said: “I am certain Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter.
“He has an exceptional track record in British business, as well as unrivalled experience in shepherding Liverpool out of a very difficult situation.”
Their main rivals could be Chicago Cubs owner Thomas Ricketts, who has linked up with billionaire hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin.
But the Saudi Media Group are still said to be interested.
The Blues hope the Government will relax restrictions to allow sanction-hit Abramovich to sell the club this month.
Tuchel makes Champions League history
Thomas Tuchel wrote his name into the Champions League history books and surpassed Zinedine Zidane with the ruthless victory in Lille.
The Chelsea boss saw his side fight back from behind to win 2-1 on the night in France.
Goals from Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta either side of the break ensured a safe passage into the quarters for the holders.
And those goals also confirmed Tuchel’s 32nd win as a manager in the competition.
That drew the German equal with compatriot Jupp Heynckes as the coach with the most victories inside his first 50 matches in the competition.
However, Heynckes secured 32 wins from a total of 47 games in charge – winning it in 2013 in his third stint as Bayern Munich boss.
Tuchel bettered Zidane’s tally of 31 from his opening 50.
Coe backs Broughton and Co for Chelsea
Sebastian Coe has taken on the Americans bidding to buy Chelsea.
Lord Coe threw his weight behind Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium – and would take a seat on the board should they be successful.
The head of London’s 2012 Olympics bid hailed former Liverpool chairman Broughton as the perfect person to take the helm in the wake of Roman Abramovich’s sale of the Blues.
Coe said: “I am certain Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter. He has an exceptional track record in British business, as well as unrivalled experience in shepherding Liverpool out of a very difficult situation.
“He has the vision, acumen and financial backing to ensure our club’s future success, keeping Chelsea Football Club at the top of European football and challenging for trophies.
“But most importantly, like me, he is a lifelong Chelsea supporter and Shed End season-ticket holder. This bid is for the millions of Chelsea fans around the world. We love our club and will always put the fans first.”
Rest of the Chelsea ratings
Kai Havertz – 8
Some nice clever touches from him and he was also looking strong on the ball holding it up when needed.
Looked dangerous and direct when he dropped in and got on the ball.
Subs
Trevoh Chalobah (for Christensen, 33) – 6
Had to come on as an early sub for Christensen.
Got booked almost instantly for a silly challenge and looked a little uncomfortable after that bar some good drives forward with the ball.
Mason Mount (for Kovacic, 45) – 8
Really good impact when he came on and provided a lovely assist for Azpilicueta to score. Full of energy and really direct.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (for Jorginho, 74) – 7
Strong on the ball, intensity, and some nice little touches as well.
Romelu Lukaku (for Pulisic, 74) – 7
Looked decent when he came on, good physicality and some nice link-ups with Havertz.
Hakim Ziyech (for Havertz, 83) – N/A
Was not on long enough to impact the game.
Chelsea ratings continued
N’Golo Kante – 6
Not one of his greatest games really in terms of what he usually brings to the table.
He wasn’t quite keeping the ball well enough in the first half but improved a lot in the second half when he was playing a little deeper.
Matteo Kovacic – 8
Running the show really and never giving it away. Keeping his lovely close control and dribbling ability was amazing again. Did well to help Chelsea keep the ball under pressure.
He was taken off at half-time which was shocking, must be injured, you’d assume.
Christian Pulisic – 8
Took his equalising goal very well and stayed composed when through on goal.
I prefer to see him out wide so there was moments he looked uncomfortable, but had a very good game really overall and was actually moved out wide.
More Chelsea ratings
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Intense and energetic as usual and his leadership was needed for Chelsea.
Brings the ball out from the ball well when there isn’t a pass on to ease the pressure.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Some neat touches, but also some poor ones. He was there but wasn’t really bringing a lot to the table.
Not enough pace to be an effective wing-back for me unfortunately.
Jorginho – 6
Silly handball to give away a penalty in the first half but he redeemed himself for that error with a lovely assist for Pulisic to score the equaliser.
Not his best game though really and struggled to adjust in the midfield three Tuchel deployed.
Chelsea ratings
Edouard Mendy – 6/10
Dived the right way for the penalty but could not save it. Had a few other shots to deal with that he managed well, some of his distribution was questionable though at times.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 9
His determination and work rate was insane again. Made some good tackles and blocks and contributed in attacks as much as he could.
His run to get on the end of Mason Mount’s cross to score was amazing and he took the finish well.
Andreas Christensen – 6
Had a reasonable first half an hour but unfortunately got an injury and had to come off.
Thiago Silva – 7
Sometimes a little too calm and slow to make the pass, but even still, there is nobody better at playing out from the back than Silva and he was needed as Lille were pressing intensely.
RESULT: Lille 1 Chelsea 2 (1-4)
Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta clinched Chelsea’s comeback win on the night and comfortable aggregate success overall.
Now the Blues must see if their Champions League quarter-final tie will be behind closed doors.
Follow the reaction on our MATCH BLOG.
GOAL! Lille 1 Chelsea 2
Cesar Azpilicueta kneed the ball in from Mason Mount’s delightful cross on 71 minutes.
That surely makes it safe – with Chelsea 4-1 up on aggregate.
Follow the action and reaction on our MATCH BLOG.
Lille 1 Chelsea 1: Pulisic leveller puts Blues in control
Christian Pulisic’s neat finish from Jorginho’s through-ball three minutes into stoppage time put Chelsea 3-1 up on aggregate.
So with virtually the last kick of the first half the American has left the Blues overwhelming favourites to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Follow the action and reaction on our MATCH BLOG.
H/T: Lille 1 Chelsea 1
GOAL! Lille 1 Chelsea 1
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
