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Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel says the uncertainty surrounding the ownership of the club is hampering their transfer market planning.
Chelsea were allowed to continue operating despite restrictions on owner Roman Abramovich, who put the club up for sale after being sanctioned by the UK government following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, the Blues are banned from signing new players or agreeing on contract extensions with existing members of their squad as per the restrictions imposed.
Antonio Rudiger has already confirmed his intention to leave, with Real Madrid the favourites to sign the centre-back when his contract expires.
Meanwhile, fellow defender Andreas Christensen is reportedly to join Barcelona after the conclusion of his deal in June 2023, placing strain on Tuchel’s squad before the upcoming season has even started.
Read Also: Rudiger confirms Chelsea exit
It is not just the outgoings that are frustrating Chelsea, the Blues are falling behind in incomings with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City moving for forwards Gabriel Jesus and Erling Haaland respectively.
Tuchel expressed his commitment but acknowledged Chelsea are already playing catch-up as they wait for the final bidder to be confirmed, and then cleared by the Premier League and government.
“In a normal season, you are never fully sure but we would have some targets and we would have for sure contacted some players and found out about their situations,” Tuchel said on Wednesday.
“Of course, now our hands are tied. We can still have talks inside the building but we cannot act. The situation is not ideal.
“It would be challenging enough with a stable situation but we don’t have it. Everybody is doing it for the first time, we try to show our commitment and our passion for it.
“This is for me very important to give this message: I am committed, I am looking forward and I am passionate about it. As soon as we can act, we will try to act and turn things around.
“You could see we could not compete over the long run, we could compete in periods, we can compete in direct matches.
“I was so happy with the structure and mentality that Chelsea provides because for me that was the foundation to strongly believe we are capable and we will keep on pushing.
“With this now questioned, it is getting more demanding, not difficult because I don’t know what’s coming – but the thing for me is that we keep the mentality here in the building, the competitive mentality which was installed over a decade.
“This is a bit concerning and hopefully we can find our way through it.”