"Helps you to be in this mode" - Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel claims 'fixed schedule' will aid the club despite off-field issues

Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea side are going through a very rough patch at the moment following sanctions on the club and its owner Roman Abrahimovich by the UK government. Ahead of their clash with Newcastle United this weekend, Blues manager Tuchel claims a fixed schedule will help the squad in this difficult period.

During an interview with Football.London, the tactician said:

“It helps to have a fixed schedule. We arrived, had lunch together, had a little break, pre-match meal, tactical meeting, set-piece meeting, and then you go. So it helps you to be in this mode."

Chelsea were sanctioned by the UK government over Roman Abrahimovich's relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who recently launched a military invasion of Ukraine. As part of the sanctions, the Blues owner isn't allowed to sell the club, its tickets or merchandise.

The development has attracted a lot of traction in the media over the last couple of days. Thomas Tuchel admitted the situation is distracting but praised his players for keeping calm and impressing on the pitch following their 3-1 victory against Norwich on Thursday.

"Of course, there was a lot of distraction, another level of distraction actually with the sanctions. We could feel it, the players talk about it, they're aware of it. We accepted it. Full credit, the team showed very good character and we can be proud that they produced performances like this under the circumstances. It tells us we are right to trust them, that the attitude is right, and the culture of the club is right,” he added.

Regardless of off-field issues, the Blues are showing no signs of slowing down on the pitch

What's next for Thomas Tuchel and Chelsea?

While uncertainties remain over the future of the club, Thomas Tuchel's men will look to stay focused on the pitch and finish the campaign on a high note. Chelsea will be motivated to send a strong message across by beating Newcastle United this weekend.

The Blues will then lock horns with Lille in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash on Wednesday. It remains to be seen if they can continue going in the right direction despite the off-field distractions.