The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also affected the world of sports. Chelsea, a club previously owned by Russian businessman Roman Abramovich has been affected by the sanctions imposed by the British government on Russia. As a result, Chelsea could be without new players next season. Then, players who are free transfers cannot extend their contracts.
In fact, it is reported that Chelsea are also experiencing challenges in terms of accommodation and transportation when traveling for a match. This situation can really disturb the concentration of the club. It is not impossible, the coach, club staff, and even the players feel the psychological impact of the sanctions imposed.
On several occasions Chelsea coach, Thomas Tuchel stated that he did not really care about what happened. His focus is only on his work as Chelsea coach. The rest, he stated that he did not really understand the current political situation. Tuchel’s statement makes it clear that he does not want to interfere in matters that are not within his domain. Certain comments can affect the situation, and even the condition of the team in general.
Indeed, it is very difficult to avoid if the sanctions bestowed on Chelsea can also affect the dressing room. The players think about their fate at Chelsea. Despite being in a complicated situation, so far Chelsea have maintained their best performance. In the Premier League, Chelsea are trying to stay in the top three. So far, Chelsea sits in 3rd position in the Premier League standings.
Although the chances of winning the Premier League title look difficult, Chelsea is considered a team that appears consistently in the English League. Tuchel managed to build Chelsea as one of the established teams in the top 4. In addition to the English League, Chelsea are also still playing in the FA Cup and Champions League. In the FA Cup, Chelsea made it into the semi-finals after defeating Middlesbrough (2-0). Getting into the semifinals could be an opportunity for Chelsea to be able to achieve one trophy this season. In the Carabao cup, Chelsea were already in the final, but ran aground in the shootout when the last kicker, Kepa who was also the Chelsea goalkeeper, failed to execute a penalty well.
The FA Cup could be the next target. In addition to the FA Cup, Chelsea also has the opportunity to defend the Champions League trophy. The opponent in the round of 8 is Real Madrid. Although not an easy opponent, Chelsea has a pretty interesting record when dealing with Madrid. In every meeting of the two teams in Europe, Madrid have not even recorded a positive result when they met Chelsea. The Champions League and FA Cup can be a consolation for Chelsea in the midst of the complicated situation experienced by the club at this time. Also this achievement can be a magnet for investors to get Chelsea from the hands of Roman Abramovich.
Chelsea’s performance so far has been a very valuable lesson. Despite being in a fairly difficult situation due to sanctions from the British government, the team remained focused. It seems that the sanctions imposed on the club do not necessarily affect the team’s performance on the gridiron. In fact, Chelsea still appear consistent. That is, the sanctions are not indirectly an obstacle for Chelsea to perform well.
Furthermore, it can also show that the world of football should not be too involved in political affairs. In a sense, the world of football has its own realm, and should not be tarnished by involvement in the world of politics. If the world of football is too immersed in the world of politics, it is not impossible that the team’s performance will also be affected. The players may ignore sportsmanship and competitiveness, but put forward a certain political ideology.
Chelsea still stands as a football club. The status of the owner who is a Russian citizen and has a close relationship with President Vladimir Putin does not affect the existence of Chelsea as a football club. After all, so far Chelsea has not even accommodated certain political interests. Chelsea’s performance so far shows his separation from certain political contexts. Because of this, the other party’s interest in owning Chelsea will be even greater.
Likewise, Chelsea can very easily adapt to the new owner because the system works more as a sports club that is very free from the interests of certain political ideologies. The current stability of Chelsea’s performance gives a message that a football team must be free from political interests. The goal is for the team to appear carefree and perform according to the principles of sportsmanship. Whoever will buy Chelsea, surely the owner is lucky because the club has been built on the foundation of strong sportsmanship principles.
ASL
