Kai Havertz scored a very late goal at Stamford Bridge earlier today to break Newcastle United’s resistance as uncertainty continues to grow over the future of the West London club.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the British government after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the fall-out has placed the future of the European champions in doubt.
With Chelsea’s monthly wage bill estimated at around £28 million ($36.5) and their revenue streams dramatically reduced by the sanctions, there are fears the club’s existence could be under threat unless a new owner is found soon.
Unable to sign players or renew contracts, Chelsea has seen sponsors Three and Hyundai suspend their deals with the club this week.
But Thomas Tuchel’s side have kept their heads amid the mayhem and Havertz struck late on to make it four successive wins since Abramovich announced he would sell the club in a move that failed to stop the sanctions.
Chelsea remains in third place in the Premier League and turn their attention to defending a 2-0 lead in the Champions League last 16-second leg clash with Lille on Wednesday.
Retaining their Champions League crown was Chelsea’s main goal just a week ago, but now it is the least of their concerns.
Tuchel admitted before kick-off that he has not been given any guarantees over the club’s future.
“No assurances and I think anybody who gives an assurance should not be trusted because no one knows, this is my opinion, what’s coming,” he said.
Chelsea technical advisor Petr Cech conceded the main focus is ensuring the club can make it to the end of the season.
“Of course, we have people from the club talking to the Government about the license, about what we can do so we can carry on and try to finish the season as best we can,” Cech said.
Stamford Bridge was full to capacity for what might be the last time for a while given the club is restricted from selling any new tickets for future matches.
After Chelsea fans had chanted Abramovich’s name during Thursday’s win at Norwich, there was more muted vocal support for the Russian this time, with his name sung briefly in the second half.
The sight of Chelsea’s former captain John Terry in the stands was poignant for fans concerned about the future.
The future is far from bright for Chelsea as no one knows when the present turmoil at the club’s helm would be resolved amidst the war in Ukraine. Many suitors have expressed their intention to match the fee set by the Russian billionaire but nothing has been confirmed yet.
