Chelsea forward Timo Werner has given an insight into the impact government sanctions imposed on the club have had behind the scenes.
The Blues have been operating under the measures since their oligarch owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government in March – a result of his close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
A takeover of the club is finally nearing completion, with a consortium led by LA Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly set to complete a purchase by the end of May.
By that time, Chelsea will have been functioning in accordance with a strict license for well over two months. The west Londoners are effectively under a transfer embargo, while ticket sales and travel expenses are are also restricted.
Speaking to The Mirror ahead of the FA Cup final against Liverpool on Saturday, Werner offered an insight into what the changes have meant day to day for the players – including no late hotel checkouts and less luxurious transport.
“For example, our bags and stuff had to be out of our rooms by 11am when we had a Champions League game where before our bags could stay in the room for as long as we stay in the room,” he revealed. “It was little things which were a bit funny. Not things to worry about.
“We felt we couldn’t come to the game with two buses anymore, we had to be a bit closer together, we had to save money at some points which is different to what we were used to in the hotel and somewhere else.”
Listen now to 90min’s Chelsea podcast Wherever You May Behosted by Olivia Buzaglo. Each week, Olivia and guests Krishan Davis & Anita Abayomi talk all things blue. In our latest episode, the team discuss Antonio Rudiger’s departure, Chelsea’s recent form and Reece James.
The Germany international also insisted the sanctions and takeover process had not been too much of a distraction, adding: “Of course we heard a lot in the press and the media. What’s going on, who is the new owner, what happens if we don’t find a new owner.
“I think the club did a very good job to keep everything away from us as much as possible.”
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