‘For us, isolated as a football team, there can be huge consequences if players are not allowed to travel to France’
Thomas Tuchel has admitted that Chelsea are facing ‘huge consequences’ if unvaccinated players cannot go to France for the Blues’ Champions League clash at Lille.
France has imposed tough new laws in regard to entry into the country, with reports claiming that there could be no exemptions for sports stars. It is thought that the Blues are in discussions with UEFA to find a solution before their match at Lille in March.
While the German has reiterated that he believes players should be given freedom of choice when it comes to getting vaccinated against covid, he did reveal that his side could face ‘huge consequences’ with the new rules.
“At some point everybody not vaccinated will face some consequences,” he said.
“Does it make it wrong that they are not (jabbed)? I simply don’t know. I took a decision for myself. The majority took the decision to get vaccinated.
“For us, isolated as a football team, there can be huge consequences if players are not allowed to travel to France and this can create problems for us.
“We may not be able to use key players, but we are aware of it and it is a constant noise.”
Tuchel also confirmed that his squad would be given a week off following Sunday’s game against Tottenham, with players permitted to travel abroad.
However, the former Paris Saint-Germain boss has insisted there will be ‘recommendations’ for the players.
Tuchel stated: “We tell them to be careful, there will be recommendations but in the end they are free citizens.”
He added: “After the loss against [Manchester] City, the gap opened up enormously. Playing again on Tuesday, I could feel emotions take over. We want to be adult enough to look at the reasons why we feel this kind of fatigue.”
Chelsea welcome Spurs to Stamford Bridge on Sunday hoping to extend their unbeaten Premier League run since Antonio Conte was named manager.
Related links:
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