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Daniel Childs

Thomas Tuchel's defining Roman Abramovich stance proves next Chelsea owner has one call to make

It was a nice touch before Friday's press conference began that Sky Sports reporter Gary Cotterill complimented Thomas Tuchel's admirable approach to some difficult questions over the past week.

Tuchel was grateful for the praise and then went on to conduct another engaging and impressive display that summarised why he has been such a delight to listen to since being appointed in January 2021.

This past week could not have been more chaotic or seismic to deal with for Tuchel.

Roman Abramovich announced his intention to sell Chelsea mere hours before Tuchel's players would kick-off at Kenilworth Road against Luton in the FA Cup.

As the club's highest-profile figure available to the press, a whole host of questions that he could not answer or did not have the expertise for were thrown his way.

But never once did he lose a sense of calm nor respect in his answers. Even at his most flustered when responding to repeated questions about the situation between Russia and Ukraine, rather than coming from a place of spite or arrogance, it was honesty at its most unfiltered.

"Listen, listen, listen – you have to stop. I am not a politician. You have to stop, honestly. I can only repeat and I even feel bad to repeat it because I never experienced war.

"So even to talk about it I feel bad because I am very privileged. I sit here in peace and I do the best I can, but you have to stop asking me these questions. I have no answers for you."

On Friday there were times for some self-deprecating jokes about his own future and the natural uncertainty that comes with being a football coach at this level.

"I love to be here. I love everything about the club. Hopefully, it continues. There is not an uncertainty, but isn’t it always as a football manager? I am used and trained to live with it.

"Of course, different levels and this is quite a level I have to be honest. I am positive, I hope things will end well."

No one can be certain about what comes next at Stamford Bridge.

The identity of the new owner could be any of up to 10 parties interested in buying the club from Roman Abramovich, but what should be clear is that Tuchel is a coach worth building around.

These conversations were had before the groundbreaking news last Wednesday between supporters. The desire to see a coach at Chelsea is given longer than the standard 18-month cycle. Falling victim to a sudden collapse in form as those before him.

The history of Chelsea pre-Abramovich ironically keeps to the same tradition of short-termism in the dugout. You could argue it's in our DNA and no owner can shake it.

But for the first time in nearly 20 years, the club's culture is uncertain and prone to change.

Even after watching his players convincingly swat aside Burnley on Saturday afternoon in a highly enjoyable second half, Tuchel was having to answer for some depressing chants from sections of supporters during a minute's show of support for Ukraine.

Chelsea's next owner should build around Thomas Tuchel for the long term. (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

But again Tuchel was sharp, concise and didn't stutter.

"It's not the moment to do this. Listen, if we show solidarity we show solidarity and we should do it together.

"We do this because this is what we are also as a club. We show respect as a club and we need our fans to commit to this minute of applause. At this moment, we do it for Ukraine and there is no second opinion about the situation there. They have our thoughts and our support.

"We should stand together as a club. It's not the moment for other messages."

Any Chelsea fan will understand the appreciation towards Abramovich's investment over nearly 20 years, but this act by a section of supporters tarnished a day that should have brought a collective spirit of positivity.

Tuchel's condemnation of it was correct and a sentiment that is easy to get behind.

The players' performances are a reflection of their coach and over the past week, it has only reflected well on Tuchel's leadership.

An impressive performance in the League Cup final against Liverpool showed a high level of focus and defensive excellence. Fighting back from 2-1 down to avoid a shock exit to Luton continued Chelsea's charge for more silverware.

And the second-half display at Turf Moor was some of the most entertaining stuff seen from a Chelsea team in recent months.

The squad hasn't collapsed or allowed off-pitch events to disrupt their objectives and that leads back to the inspirational leadership of Tuchel who has shown exactly what is needed.

Chelsea are very lucky to have him, the next owner should prioritise keeping him for the long-term.

Make sure you have subscribed to CareFreeChelsea on YouTube! The Fan Brands team along with plenty of your football.london favourites will be producing daily Chelsea content for you to enjoy including match reactions, podcasts, football fun and interviews. You can follow Daniel Childs from the CareFreeChelsea team to keep up to date with his work. If you enjoyed reading this then give my other articles a read below.

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