Thomas Tuchel has expressed his concern that Chelsea players could pick up more injuries due to their limited travel budget, while the Blues have also been brutally put down by upcoming FA Cup opponents Middlesbrough.
Chelsea are having to navigate difficult circumstances following UK Government sanctions on owner Roman Abramovich. The businessman is aiming to sell, but there is yet to be a breakthrough with regards to a buyer.
Due to the sanctions, Chelsea cannot spend more than £20,000 per away game on travel. The average Premier League away match costs each club £30,000, revealing an instant problem for the Blues.
Tuchel’s side also have to factor in the Champions League match against Lille on Wednesday. That will put their finances under further strain.
At the pre-match press conference, Tuchel was asked about Chelsea’s request for the Government to increase the expense limit. “It isn’t about luxury and bling-bling,” he replied.
“This is just a professional level of sports, where we play with two days between matches with our opponent having four days between matches and we arrive with the possibilities of injuries.
“For that, it is better to arrive with a plane rather than a bus.
Chelsea ‘in the spotlight’ – Thomas Tuchel
“From my understanding, we have a framework to go and play in Lille with absolutely no excuses.
“Regarding these organisations, it is already more difficult to arrange things on a professional level, in the best way possible, for the FA Cup.
“But we will deal with it. As long as we have shirts and are ‘alive’ as a team, we will be competitive and fight hard for our success.
“We owe it to the people who support us. Of course, we are in the spotlight and it is our responsibility to do so. We will do it.”
Chelsea cannot sell tickets for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final against Middlesbrough, which will be held at the Riverside Stadium.
Due to this, they have requested for the match to be played behind…
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