“You must stop!”
Tuchel struggles with questions regarding the war for composure
03/02/2022 1:13 p.m
Instead of football, Thomas Tuchel is almost only asked questions regarding the war in Ukraine at a press conference. The Chelsea coach should also explain the situation surrounding club owner Roman Abramovich. The German feels visibly uncomfortable, finally it breaks out of him emotionally.
Thomas Tuchel reacted extremely emotionally to questions regarding the war in Ukraine. At a press conference, instead of the upcoming FA Cup game once morest Luton Town, he was almost exclusively asked regarding the Russian invasion and the withdrawal of Chelsea boss Roman Abramovich. The coach of the Premier League club explains patiently at first, but then becomes increasingly irritable and ultimately very emotional.
He doesn’t know how closely Abramovich is connected to Russia’s ruler Vladimir Putin, says Tuchel: “I don’t know any details, I don’t know enough regarding all of this. It’s not up to me to comment.” The billionaire is a participant in the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia – at the request of Ukraine. He has given up his business as the owner of the top football club because he has been criticized for his relations with Putin.
The other questions to Tuchel are mainly regarding the war. “You keep asking me regarding the war. How often do I have to say it? It’s terrible, just terrible! There are no two opinions,” he says. “But why should we be more distracted from our work than you? We’re all trying to do our best despite everything. Like I said, we all know there are a lot more important things out there than football. That never will be change. But of course we try to continue to focus on our work.”
Finally, a British journalist asks another question regarding the “horror of war” – too much for Tuchel. Excitedly he interrupts him. “Listen, you have to stop it. I’m not a politician! You really have to stop it. I can only repeat it – and I even feel bad for repeating it because I’ve never seen war.” The German is noticeably struggling to keep his composure, is visibly touched and overwhelmed. “I feel bad talking regarding this because I’m very privileged. I sit here in peace. I’m doing everything I can, but you need to stop asking me these questions. I don’t have any answers for you!”