FA Cup

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FA Cup | Fifth Round

Mar 2, 2022 at 7.15pm UK

Kenilworth Road Stadium

Luton
2 - 3
Chelsea

Burke (2'), Cornick (40')
Muskwe (67')

FT(HT: 2-1)

Niguez (27'), Werner (68'), Lukaku (78')

Thomas Tuchel praises Chelsea's focus after Roman Abramovich developments

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 02 March 2022

Tuchel praises Chelsea's focus after Abramovich news

Head coach Thomas Tuchel praises Chelsea's focus during Wednesday's win against Luton Town after learning that Roman Abramovich was selling the Premier League club.

Head coach Thomas Tuchel was full of praise for his Chelsea side as they progressed past Luton Town in the FA Cup fifth round shortly after learning that Roman Abramovich was selling the club.

Marginally over one hour before kickoff at Kenilworth Road, Chelsea released a statement from Abramovich confirming reports that he was ending his near two-decade stay at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea went behind within two minutes and also found themselves 2-1 adrift at the break, but goals from Saul Niguez, Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku eventually secured their place in the quarter-finals.

Despite the back and forth nature of the contest, Tuchel gave credit to his squad, who he admits had spoken about speculation relating the Russian billionaire throughout the day.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Tuchel said: "Maybe I heard it a little earlier than you but still very close to kickoff, we heard the rumours throughout the day, saw on TV, when we have team meetings and eat together everybody talks about it - it is big news, let's wait and see for the best and see what the day brings.

"I think every decision he takes is the right decision, it is his choice, his club, it is not on me to comment. In the very short term for us as a team, staff and players, hopefully not too much, maybe even it will change nothing, but the situation is now out there and a big situation so I can understand lots of reports.

"We try to cancel the noise and stay focused, which is not always easy, but we showed today we were able to do it. We are not living on an island, the players have internet - some are more concerned, to play on the same day a match where focus is absolutely key is not so easy and makes it a bigger performance."

Swiss billionaire Hansjorg Wyss has revealed that he is one of several people who have been contacted regarding the possible purchase of the West London outfit.