Chelsea travel to Lille on Wednesday
Thomas Tuchel has joked that he will drive a bus to Lille for Chelsea’s Champions League tie against the Ligue 1 side next week after the UK government sanctioned owner Roman Abramovich.
Abramovich was sanctioned as a result of his close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin on Thursday.
Under the sanctions, Chelsea are banned from offering contracts, buying players and even selling tickets and merchandise. The club are also stopped from spending more than £20,000 on away travel.
Speaking about the reduced budget for away travel after the Blues 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday, the German said: “I think practically what’s changed is more for the guys who for example organised the journey to Lille because they had to figure out how we were arriving there.
“My last information was that we are getting a plane. So we can go by plane and come back by plane. If not, we’ll go by train. If not, we’ll go by bus. If not, I’ll drive a seven-seater!
“Honestly, I will do it. You can mark my words, I will do it to arrive there.
🗣️ "We can go by plane. If not, we go by train. If not, we go by bus. If not, I drive a seven-seater!"
Thomas Tuchel is letting nothing stop him from getting to Lille for Chelsea's midweek Champions League fixture… 🚌 pic.twitter.com/IetZn2GRNT
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 13, 2022
“If you’d asked me 20 or 30 years ago, to be in charge of a Champions League match what I was willing to do, I’d say: ‘Ok, where do I have to be and when?’
“Why should this change? I will be there and we will be there. Of course, organisation wise, there are some negotiations going on and talks, but it doesn’t influence me.”
Kai Havertz scored in the 89th minute to extend Chelsea’s winning run to six from their last seven games.
The Blues travel to the Stade Pierre Mauroy stadium to face Lille on Wednesday night, boasting a 2-0 lead from the first-leg at Stamford Bridge.
Related links:
- Thomas Tuchel admits he is uncertain about future after Chelsea turmoil
- Thomas Tuchel would welcome ‘message for peace’ on Chelsea shirts
- Jamie Carragher urges Thomas Tuchel to leave Chelsea for Man United
