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Football London
Football London
Sport
Kadeem Simmonds

Thomas Tuchel breaks silence prior to Norwich City vs Chelsea amid Roman Abramovich sanctions

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel said he was happy to play Thursday night's Premier League fixture against Norwich City.

The Blues went into the game amid a lot of uncertainty after owner Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen earlier in the day by the UK Government.

This led to limitations being placed upon the day-to-day running of the club, ranging from the closing down of the online and club megastore, while only season ticket holders and fans who have already purchased tickets to matches are able to attend matches.

Hours before kick-off, shirt sponsor Three announced they were temporarily suspending their sponsorship of the team and placed in doubt whether the team would be able to wear their home shirt with the branding on it at Carrow Road.

In the end, Chelsea's shirt had the sponsor on it and prior to kick-off, Tuchel said he wasn't concerned about what was going on in west London and that he was 'happy' to be manager and play the game against Norwich.

"I don’t know if I am concerned, but we are aware of it," Tuchel told Chelsea's official website. "It changes almost everyday, so we cannot do much about it. I am still happy to be here and be a manager of a strong football team. I am happy to play the match today.

"We didn’t cause the situation, in the moment it seems like business is more or less protected, but let’s see. It can change tomorrow. It is not a relief for me personally, it is more joy [playing tonight].

"I feel privileged to have the chance to be involved in games and coaching football, which is what I love."

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