Here is your Chelsea morning digest on Monday, February 28.
Chelsea Foundation “not yet agreed” to run the club
Chelsea Foundation trustees have not yet agreed to take over the “custody and care” of the club following a statement from owner Roman Abramovich, reports Sky Sports News.
It comes after the Russian oligarch claimed he was stepping back and allowing the trustees to take control of the club, while he would still be owner.
The future of the club was put in doubt after the British Government claimed there would be sanctions for Russian business people that were linked with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Roman Abramovich has denied any links with Vladimir Putin.
However, following the owner’s statement, the six trustees are said to be asking for more information, especially around whether running the club would be compatible with UK Charity law.
It leaves the Blues uncertain of what the future could look like without immediate clarification.
Thomas Tuchel takes blame for penalty loss
Chelsea suffered an 11-10 loss on penalties in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga missing a decisive kick to send the Blues out.
It came after Tuchel made the decision to bring on the Spaniard for the shootout, deciding he would be better placed to save from the spot than teammate Edouard Mendy.
After the game, the German coach said: “We don't know what would've happened if we left Edou on the pitch. No blame on Kepa. Blame on me as I'm the guy who takes the decisions. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. This is life as a football coach."
Read more here.
Jamie Redknapp disagrees with goalkeeping decision
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp disagreed with Tuchel’s decision to substitute Kepa onto the pitch for the penalty shootout at Wembley on Sunday.
The former Liverpool and Tottenham player said: “I hope it puts to bed the substitutions now of putting goalkeepers on. Edouard Mendy is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and you bring on Kepa instead of him, ridiculous.”
Read more here.
