Thomas Tuchel has responded to speculation linking him with the Manchester United job, insisting that he is happy at Chelsea.
The Blues face an uncertain future after owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK Government and the European Union for his links to Russia president Vladimir Putin, who has led his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
The club is currently in the process of being sold but until then Chelsea are barred from selling further tickets or merchandise and also cannot extend any of their current players’ contracts.
Amid the chaos, Tuchel has been linked with succeeding interim manager Ralf Rangick at United – but he was quick to reject the speculation during his pre-match press conference ahead of the FA Cup tie against Middlesbrough.
“Do you feel me less committed or involved with this club. Absolutely not,” Tuchel asserted. “I love to be here and I love work for Chelsea and this club has everything it needs to make me happy.
“We have plenty of reasons to stay in the moment here and that is exactly what we’re doing.”
A few minutes before the press conference Chelsea were drawn against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter finals. Tuchel has not lost to Los Blancos in six games as a manager but he admitted it was still a tough tie.
“Tough one. The challenge can not be much higher than playing the second leg in the Bernabeu with spectators. It’s a big challenge but there is bit excitement around this match and fixture. We know what’s coming. It will be an exciting match and a tough challenge,” he said.
“It’s nice to play a European team and maybe not at this kind of stage a team you’ve played so many times in domestic competitions.”
Due to the club’s current sanctions, Chelsea will be forced to play the home leg behind closed doors, something that Tuchel admitted would give his side a significant disadvantage.
“It would be a disadvantage, but this game is for spectators and the game changes with spectators. I’m sure everyone will fight for the chance. These games, any game, is for the spectators and the game is different if supporters are in the ground.”
Source: 90min.com
