Chelsea feel like spectators over player contracts, Tuchel laments

Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, has said the club ‘feel more like spectators’ in dealing with players whose contracts are expiring.

With Blues owner, Roman Abramovich, sanctioned by the United Kingdom government over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Chelsea cannot currently renew contracts.

Tuchel said, “You can end up in a situation where players talk with other clubs and get distracted,” Chelsea boss.

“It’s easier if you are free to act and be involved in the talks. Right now we feel more like spectators.”

The current Champions League holders, who also cannot buy or sell players at present, appear set to lose defender, Antonio Rudiger, to Real Madrid when his contact expires, while Barcelona have agreed a deal for Andreas Christensen and are also in talks with captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Abramovich put Chelsea up for sale before being sanctioned and the club have been operating under a special licence issued by the UK government.

According to the BBC, the club are on the verge of being taken over by a consortium led by Todd Boehly, co-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team.