Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel during the Champions League last-16 first-leg clash with Lille at Stamford Bridge. PA
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel during the Champions League last-16 first-leg clash with Lille at Stamford Bridge. PA
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel during the Champions League last-16 first-leg clash with Lille at Stamford Bridge. PA
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel during the Champions League last-16 first-leg clash with Lille at Stamford Bridge. PA

Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea will do whatever it takes to get past Lille in Champions League


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Chelsea will do whatever it takes to advance in their Champions League last-16 second leg tie at Lille on Wednesday, despite dealing with UK government restrictions, manager Thomas Tuchel said.

Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the government and under the terms of a licence issued by the government, Chelsea's operations are limited.

Tuchel said the European champions had to make adjustments in how many staff are travelling and staying in Lille, with an operations team taking care of all their needs.

"We have to deal with it. There are new things to talk about, like how to arrive at games. Things that are normally taken care of," Tuchel said on the eve of the return leg in France, with Chelsea leading 2-0 from the first game at Stamford Bridge.

"We have a framework to go to Lille and play in Lille. There will be no excuses. It's already more difficult to arrange things in the best way possible for the FA Cup [quarter-final at Middlesbrough on Saturday].

"As long as we have shirts, as long as we are alive, we will arrive, be competitive and fight hard for our success. We owe it to the people who normally support us. Of course, we're in the spotlight but this is our responsibility."

Tuchel added that he did not have a choice in being the voice of the club in a tumultuous two-week period and said he would continue to face questions about any new owner.

Chelsea 2 Lille 0 player ratings

"A new owner needs to arrive, needs to be approved, and then be allowed to own the football club. Then we can discuss about it, if it's necessary," Tuchel said.

"There is a process how you become an owner in this league, and of course ... everybody relies on the process and the values which are behind the decisions and allowance to run a club.

"I don't think too much about it (being the voice of the club). I try to be honest, give you an insight and give you information from a coach's heart. This is what I try and what you can rely on."

Cesar Azpilicueta is back from illness for Chelsea and Thiago Silva is expected to return to the rearguard after enjoying a complete rest in the Newcastle win.

Tuchel is expected to start Marcos Alonso and Christian Pulisic ahead of Malang Sarr and Timo Werner.

Lille manager Jocelyn Gourvennec should be able to welcome defensive midfielder Benjamin Andre back from illness - a timely return with Renato Sanches picking up yet another injury against Saint-Etienne.

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE

1 Man City    26   20   3   3   63   17   63 

2 Liverpool   25   17   6   2   64   20    57 

3 Chelsea      25   14   8  3   49   18    50 

4 Man Utd    26   13   7  6   44   34    46 

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5 West Ham   26   12   6   8   45   34    42 

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6 Arsenal      23  13   3   7   36   26   42 

7 Wolves       24  12   4   8   23   18   40 

8 Tottenham  23  12   4   8   31   31   39  

What is 'Soft Power'?

Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye. 
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength. 
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force. 
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.

Updated: June 09, 2023, 12:22 PM