Posted: 22:31, 1 April 2022 | Updated: 23:08, 1 April 2022
Thomas Tuchel has defended the right of Chelsea fans to express their objections to the Ricketts family as potential owners of their club. Protests are scheduled for Saturday’s game against Brentford at Stamford Bridge, with thousands worried about the controversial views of family members, Chicago Cubs owners and one of four teams trying to buy the Blues. More than 20,000 have signed an online petition against the Ricketts takeover, citing a leaked email in which Joe Ricketts, the family’s 80-year-old father, described his Muslim enemies and the discriminatory comments made by his sons Pete and Todd. This, they claim, will tarnish the image of the club. “You have to face the consequences if you are responsible for such quotes,” Tuhel said. “If one of the consequences is that the fans are protesting, you have to deal with it. “I hope the fans remember that we have a team that was challenged in three tournaments at a critical time of the season and not be distracted by their approach on the pitch or during the match. “We have a lot to deal with right now.” Tuchel admitted that he knew very little about anyone left in the fray to buy the club from Roman Abramovich, who was forced to sell it because the British government froze his assets in response to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Nor does he want to meet any of them. Thomas Tuchel supports Chelsea fans’ right to object to Ricketts family as potential owners of their club Joe Ricketts, the family’s 80-year-old father, described his Muslim enemies in a leaked email “Better not get involved,” said the German. “I can not change anything.” Tuhel is happy that his boss, Cesar Azpilicueta, has made a clause extending his contract for another year, but it is not yet certain that the 32-year-old will stay. After a decade of service, some people in the club are ready to satisfy his desire in Azpilicueta if he wants to leave. There is interest from Barcelona and he may feel it is the right time for his family to return to Spain. “Winning every title and having this change of ownership could make it feel like the end of the story here,” Tuchel said. “But it does not have to be that way. “We have the contract now, we can rely on him and make him stay.” Andreas Christensen looks ready for Barcelona when his contract expires in June. Tuhel is happy that his boss, Cesar Azpilicueta, has made a clause to extend his contract Center-back Andreas Christensen looks ready for Barcelona when his contract expires in June “We heard the same rumors,” smiled the Chelsea coach. Antonio Rudiger is also nearing the end of his contract, he can not sign a new contract until the club is sold and his agent has also been located in Barcelona. “I would try to meet him if I were another club,” Tuhel said. “He is still our player. We still believe that there is a good chance he will stay once things are resolved. “Right now our hands are tied. “Fair enough if it is true that he hears other offers, but I’m still sure.”
