EPL: Tuchel insists post-Abramovich Chelsea can remain a super power

Thomas Tuchel insists Chelsea can carry on as a footballing super power once Roman Abramovich sells.

Tuchel was inundated with questions about Abramovich’s stunning decision to walk away from the European champions ahead of Saturday’s clash with Burnley.

He admitted no one at the club had been offered assurances – but was adamant he had no fears for his own future.

Prospective bidders have been told to make official offers by March 15, with billionaires Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss leading the race to take over.

Tuchel admitted transfer plans were on hold, but claimed a club that has spent the past 19 years recruiting some of the world’s greatest players due to Abramovich’s spectacular wealth, could continue to compete at the very top of the game.

The German said: “I don’t know if it has to change. I don’t want to feed any speculation about it because I simply don’t know what is going to happen.

“From outside in the last 19 years Chelsea was for me a tough club to play against and a club that demands a lot from the employees and their players. This was for me Chelsea. Very passionate and very competitive.

“They are the adjectives I would use to describe and this is exactly what I found and what I love to be here and hope it continues.

“The club is not selling the club; the owner is selling the club. And he’s selling a well-structured, top organised organisation. Right now I don’t see why we should be in fear. Obviously this club is so well-placed, so well-organised, so functional as it is and it’s a pleasure to work here.

“I can honestly say it’s the highest level that I have experienced. We will have a new owner, but does that mean the organisation is in question, or the structure? I don’t think so.”

Tuchel insisted he would not walk away, despite the uncertainty around the club.

“I said many times I love working in Premier League,” he said. “I love to be in England and feel the tradition and love for sports in general and football in particular. It’s an amazing place to be.

“Chelsea, for me, is a perfect fit. I love to be here. I love everything about the club. Hopefully it continues.

“There is now an uncertainty, but isn’t it always as a football manager? I am used and trained to live with it.

“Of course, different levels and this is quite a level I have to be honest. I am positive, I hope things will end well.

“In general I’m not a very scared person. In general I don’t worry too long, too much. And I try to adapt to the needs of the situation.

“I really train myself to not lose my head about what can happen. We don’t know and we trust in our ability to adapt to situations.”

But amid uncertainty around director Marina Granovskaia, who could depart once a sale is complete, and technical advisor Petr Cech, Tuchel refused to be drawn on their futures.

“It is not on me to comment and nobody asks so far for my recommendation,” he said. “It’s important I have my role here as a manager of the first team of football and enough to do without giving recommendations for how this should be done.”