All eyes have been on Chelsea lately as the Premier League giants continue to come to terms with their recent crisis, having been plunged into chaos due to the UK sanctions levied upon club owner Roman Abramovich.
While the London outfit were handed a special license by the government which permits them to operate and carry on with their day-to-day tasks, the champions of Europe have been hit hard nonetheless, with the spending power and ability to generate revenue being restricted due to their billionaire owner's alleged ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
One of the biggest concerns for the Blues is their budget for away games, with the English top-flight side being restricted to an expenditure of only £20,000 when traveling away from home for games. This has thrown their UEFA Champions League campaign under doubt as the logistics for away matches in Europe will likely exceed that.
While the arrangements for their upcoming showdown with Lille this midweek have been scheduled, Thomas Tuchel was asked about their 2nd leg showdown with the French giants and whether Chelsea can make the trip to the Stade Pierre-Mauroy for their round of 16 affair. The German boss' response was both brilliant and hilarious, as the former PSG tactician joked about the lengths he would go to in order to fulfill this fixture.
"My last information is we have a plane [for Lille] and we can go by plane and come back by plane," Tuchel said in the post-match press conference for Chelsea's 1-0 win against Newcastle.
"If not we go by train, if not by bus, if not I will drive a seven-seater."
"We can go by plane. If not, we go by train. If not, we go by bus. If not, I drive a seven-seater!"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 13, 2022
Thomas Tuchel is letting nothing stop him from getting to Lille for Chelsea's midweek Champions League fixture... pic.twitter.com/IetZn2GRNT
While that response from the Stamford Bridge head coach generated laughter, it is a response that will resonate well with the Chelsea fans as it underlines his commitment to his job. Much has been said about the highly-regarded German and his future with the West London giants given the uncertainty regarding his employers, as the club scramble to find a new owner. However, the 48-year-old unequivocally expressed that there is no uncertainty on his part.
Manchester United are reportedly monitoring Tuchel's situation with the intent of swooping in for the tactician should he decide to leave the FIFA Club World Cup champions. However, when asked if he could part ways with Chelsea in the middle of the ongoing season, as some have suggested, Thomas was quick to put those rumors to bed.
"Me? If I stay till the end of the season? Sure, there is no doubt that I stay until the end of the season. Absolutely," was the German's answer.
Sunday's 1-0 victory over Newcastle was fortunate, with Kai Havertz scoring the winning goal with only a minute left in normal time. Next up for the club is their clash with Lille, with the defending champions holding a brilliant advantage, having triumphed 2-0 in their first encounter.
