Thomas Tuchel set a record for the most Champions League wins after 50 games as a coach in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Lille on Wednesday. 

The Blues' triumph at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in their last-16 second leg put Tuchel on 32 victories from a half-century of matches. 

It sent him past the previous benchmark set by Zinedine Zidane, who managed 31 wins in his first 50 Champions League games in the dugout. 

Chelsea had to come from behind to complete a 4-1 aggregate success against Lille, though. Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta overturned Burak Yilmaz's opener from the penalty spot to send them into the quarter-finals.

Thomas Tuchel will expect Chelsea to mark his 50th Champions League game as a boss with a win at Lille and Juve will be favourites to knock Villarreal out on Wednesday.

There is huge uncertainty at Stamford Bridge after Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale before having his assets frozen by the United Kingdom government, but the London club have won four consecutive games.

The holders travel to Lille for the second leg of the round-of-16 tie with a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from the in-form Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic.

Juve and Villarreal will start their showdown at the Allianz Stadium locked at 1-1 after Dani Parejo equalised following Dusan Vlahovic's early strike.

Stats Perform picks out the standout Opta data ahead of the two games.

Lille v Chelsea

Havertz has become the Blues' main man, scoring four goals in his past three matches and six in seven.

Chelsea head coach Tuchel has won 31 of his 49 matches and can set a record for the most victories in his first 50 games as a boss in the competition with another success in Lille, as he is currently level with Zinedine Zidane's tally.

Lille's chances of forcing their way back into the tie appear to be slim, as not only do they trail by two goals, they have lost their past three Champions League games against the Premier League club.

They have also been eliminated from each of their three previous European knockout ties after losing the first leg.

The last side to progress against Champions League holders after failing to score in the opening leg was Arsenal versus Milan in 2007-08, with the first leg a goalless draw.

Each of Chelsea's past 11 wins in the Champions League have come with a clean sheet, 10 of which have come under Tuchel in just 14 matches.

Juventus v Villarreal

January signing Vlahovic set a record for the quickest goal by a Champions League debutant when he was on target after only 32 seconds of the first leg.

Juve are without a win in each of their past seven first-leg games in the Champions League (D3 L4), going on to be eliminated from four of their previous five knockout ties in the competition. 

Villarreal have won their past two away games in the Champions League, the same number of victories as they managed across the 15 such matches beforehand.

Juve have only lost three of their previous 23 Champions League matches at home to Spanish sides in this competition, winning 12 and drawing eight.

This will be Villarreal’s first visit to Juventus in any competition as they scent a place in the quarter-finals.

Juan Cuadrado is in line to make his 50th appearance for Bianconeri in the Champions League. He has provided 11 assists for the Serie A giants in the competition, which is the most by any player in the period since he first joined the club in 2015.

Thomas Tuchel has questioned the priorities of the United Kingdom government after Chelsea supporters were criticised for chanting the name of owner Roman Abramovich.

Some Chelsea fans continued to express their backing for Abramovich during Sunday's 1-0 win over Newcastle United after he was sanctioned by the UK's government last week.

Abramovich had his assets frozen in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, leading to uncertainty over Chelsea's future.

The Russian billionaire can still apply for a licence that would allow him to sell the club, though he cannot receive any proceeds from a sale in such circumstances.

With Chelsea fans continuing to chant in support of Abramovich, a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's called for them to stop.

"We recognise the strength of feeling around people's clubs but that does not excuse behaviour which is completely inappropriate at this time," the spokesperson said.

"I think people can show passion and support for their club without resorting to that sort of stuff."

When those comments were put to Tuchel ahead of Wednesday's Champions League tie with Lille, however, he urged those in power to focus on more pressing matters.

"I don't know if in these times this is the most important subject to be discussed in parliament," Tuchel said in a news conference.

"If fans chants need to be discussed in parliament, maybe we need to worry about the priorities of discussions there, but okay. 

"There's no need to comment from me. We have far more urgent things to discuss and handle."

Off-the-field talk again dominated Tuchel's media conference, though the former Paris Saint-Germain boss reiterated it is business as usual on the field.

Chelsea make the trip to Lille for the second leg of their last-16 tie boasting a 2-0 lead thanks to goals from Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic three weeks ago.

"There is not more uncertainty. It's the same situation like in the last days. There are no updates," he said.

"Before we discuss a new owner, a new owner needs to arrive, be approved and be allowed to own a football club. Then we can discuss it if it's necessary.

"I did not have a choice to take this role [as spokesperson]. Do I need it? No. Listen, it's more or less day by day. 

"We talk inside and of course we have people who are in charge of different roles and different responsibilities but to the outside it is more or less me who talks. 

"I don't think too much about it. I try to be honest, give you an insight, provide you information from a coach's heart. Maybe this is what I try and you can rely on. 

"I am more than happy if things calm down and we can speak about football."

Tuchel will not let speculation regarding the ownership situation distract his side, though he admitted last week's sanctions – including a cap on spending – have had an impact.

Chelsea already booked flights to France before restrictions were put in place, but they may be forced to drive to Middlesbrough for Saturday's FA Cup tie. 

"There are restrictions, which we have to deal with it," he said. "There are adjustments in our amount of staff who is travelling, how many rooms we have in hotels, how we arrive.

"That will come soon. To my understanding everything is in place now we can arrive on a professional level. It is not about luxury, it is not about bling bling. 

"It is a professional level of sports where we play having only two days between matches while our opponents have four days. To arrive and decrease the possibility of injuries.

"For that, it is better to arrive with a plane than to sit in a bus. We try to be as professional as possible in the frame that we can do it. 

"To my understanding, we have a framework to go to Lille and play the game in Lille where there will be absolutely no excuses regarding this. 

"It is like already a bit more difficult to arrange things in the best way possible in the FA Cup. 

"As long as we have shirts, as long as we are 'alive', as long as we are a team and arrive with our players we will be competitive and fight hard for our success.

"We owe it to the people that support us in very invisible way. We are in the spotlight. It is our responsibility to do so and we will."

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel promised to stay at Stamford Bridge until at least the end of the season amid ongoing uncertainty behind the scenes at the London club.

The German head coach saw his side snatch a 1-0 win against Newcastle United on Sunday thanks to a sublime 89th-minute goal from Kai Havertz.

Blues owner Roman Abramovich was one of seven Russian oligarchs to have assets frozen by the UK government on Thursday due to his native country's military invasion of Ukraine.

Chelsea are now operating under a special sporting licence, barring them from negotiating new contracts or transfers and preventing them from making ticket or merchandise sales, although reports have suggested the government may permit a swift sale of the club.

Speaking at a media conference after Sunday's win, Tuchel addressed his own immediate future.

"There's no doubt I stay until the end of the season," he said. "We just have to wait day by day because everything can change.

"There are circumstances we can't influence, but that gives us the freedom to focus on the things we can influence.

"The focus is on the first team, our players and me. But Chelsea is much more than just the first team. It is a massive club with huge tradition and there are hundreds of staff. It's not just the players, and it's important we show the spirit and give them the distraction."

The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain coach enthusiastically celebrated the late winner on the sidelines, and was relieved to overcome a tricky game against Eddie Howe's resurgent Magpies.

"The Kai Havertz goal was exceptional, and we had a hard time on the pitch," Tuchel said. "They were very physical, and it was difficult to accelerate the game in the last 30 metres. It was important not to concede so that with one quality chance we could win it, and we did it."

Tuchel was also asked about arrangements for their Champions League last-16 second leg in Lille on Wednesday.

"My last information is we have a plane and we can go by plane and come back by plane. If not, we go by train; if not, by bus; if not, I will drive a seven-seater," he joked.

"If you asked me 30 years ago if I could join a Champions League match at the sideline, I'd say, 'when do I need to be there and how do I need to be there?'."

Chelsea legend Petr Cech concedes the club are living "day-to-day" amid their ongoing ownership crisis, but remains hopeful they will be able to finish the season at home and abroad.

The Blues are embroiled in a slew of sanctions against owner Roman Abramovich in relation to the Ukraine-Russia crisis by the UK government.

Chelsea are now operating under a special sporting licence, barring them from negotiating new contracts or transfers and preventing them from making ticket or merchandise sales, although reports have suggested that the government may yet permit a swift sale of the club.

Concerns remain over the club's ability to see out the season and speaking ahead of Chelsea's clash with Newcastle on Sunday, former goalkeeper Cech - who now works as a technical advisor at the club - said they remain in the dark on their future.

"We have to admit that we go day-by-day," he told Sky Sports. "We don't have this in our hands. The conversations are going on [about] whether we can operate, whether we can finish the season, because it is a difficult situation.

"I believe that, for us to be able to carry on the season, would help everybody in the Premier League."

With financial restrictions likely to be further imposed, Chelsea look almost certain to be unable to keep players such as Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen – who are both in the final months of their contracts – at the end of the campaign.

Questions are also being asked about the future of boss Thomas Tuchel, who led Chelsea to Champions League glory last season.

Cech kept his cards close to his chest regarding the coach's future, but paid tribute to his success, adding: "Thomas has a contract until 2024. As it stands, we've been told that the club contracts will be valued, and in that way, we hope that we will have him as a coach.

"He's been absolutely brilliant on every level. But that's another thing. Tomorrow, the situation could change, and my answer with it."

Asked on how to pitch the club to prospective new owners, Cech offered further praise for the team's mentality in over a century as a professional team, stating: "Chelsea has 117 years of history and a lot of success.

"That success has come down to hard work and dedication of the people who have been working ever since the club was founded. It has had its own journey, its own success.

"This is not about money - it is about the hard work, the dedication of the players who sweat every day to make the club successful. We've done it all inside the rules, and all the Financial Fair Play [operations] that were in our power, and I believe that shouldn't be forgotten."

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says turmoil surrounding the club pales in comparison to his concern about events in Ukraine and other war zones.

The Blues head coach was speaking before reports emerged that Chelsea's bank account has been suspended by Barclays. Sky News said the action was taken to allow the bank time to look at the licence Chelsea have been granted to continue to operate as a football club.

Tuchel expressed gratitude for his "privileged" position as a coach, and affirmed that speaking about Chelsea's hardships makes him feel "uncomfortable".

With owner Roman Abramovich one of several oligarchs hit with sanctions from the United Kingdom government in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Chelsea face restrictive measures affecting ticket and merchandise sales, as well as transfer and contract negotiations.

The Blues briefly set their troubles aside to beat Norwich City 3-1 on Thursday, but Tuchel says Chelsea's hardships, though disruptive, do not compare to those faced in Ukraine and elsewhere.

"It is hard to focus only on football," the 48-year-old told Sky Sports. "But as bad and as horrible as the situation is in Ukraine, and the situation that Russia started this war, which is incredible and unacceptable and horrible, there are so many things which are more important than football.

"It was also [this way] before the war Russia started.

"There are children dying, and other wars going in the world that are not so much in the [public] focus, people dying of corona. So, there are so much more, so many more important jobs out there than mine, and it makes me feel uncomfortable.

"There are so many people out there helping in war zones, helping children getting water, getting medication, there are so many more important jobs out there than being a football coach.

"It makes me feel uncomfortable to name it a problem, where we are [within football]. Because we are still very, very privileged, this is how I personally feel."

With Chelsea preparing to host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday, looking to defend a nine-match unbeaten home run in the competition, Tuchel says current circumstances mean he intends to saviour every moment in his role.

"Maybe it has never been more true to live in the moment, because everything else seems very, very difficult," Tuchel said.

"To understand the situation feels very difficult, to see where it is going is maybe impossible. So in the end, we stick to the mantra to live in the moment and worship where we are.

"It is not easy, but it is out of our control. Sometimes it makes things more difficult, but sometimes [it is] more easy to accept we cannot do anything in the moment, to wait and to constantly adapt."

Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the full extent of the off-field chaos engulfing Chelsea is yet to be realised, but he defiantly vowed they will keep competing so long as they have a kit and a bus.

Chelsea beat Norwich City at Carrow Road on Thursday, with their 3-1 win inspired by Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.

But earlier in the day it was confirmed by the UK government that club owner Roman Abramovich was among the latest high-profile Russian individuals and entities to be hit with sanctions in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich, who has been photographed with Russian president Vladimir Putin in the past, was in the process of attempting to sell Chelsea, and the sanctions have put the sale in doubt despite the oligarch claiming the proceeds would have been donated to victims of the war.

While Chelsea were granted a special sporting licence to continue operating as a football club, measures have been imposed upon them including a ban on selling merchandise and tickets to non-season-ticket holders.

Additionally, the first team is not allowed to spend more than £20,000 on away travel, and any income from TV broadcast rights or competition prize money will be frozen.

Shirt sponsor Three has already suspended its agreement with the club while other partners are assessing contracts, and Tuchel realises things may get even worse for the club.

"I didn't see that coming yesterday and I don't know what is coming tomorrow," Tuchel told reporters after the defeat of Norwich.

"The level of impact it has, the news of today is big, in time we don't know how big. We cannot influence it."

Yet the German cut a largely relaxed figure, seemingly at peace with the fact there is nothing he nor his players can do to affect the situation.

For them, it is a case of business as usual, where possible, with Tuchel adamant he remains committed to leading the team.

"I am still happy to be here and still happy to be manager of a strong team," he continued.

"So far we can trust each other and this will not change. As long as we have enough shirts and a bus to drive to the games, we will be there and will compete hard.

"Everybody can be very sure that we focus on us, to keep the attitude and the mentality right on the training ground and within the team."

Chelsea are in action again on Sunday as they welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge.

Thomas Tuchel was grateful to have a match to focus on after Chelsea were plunged into uncertainty on Thursday with the freezing of club owner Roman Abramovich's assets.

Chelsea were in Norfolk to face Norwich City, emerging with a 3-1 win thanks to a professional display led by Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.

But earlier in the day it was confirmed by the British government that Abramovich was among the latest high-profile Russian individuals and entities to be hit with sanctions in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Abramovich, who has been photographed with Russian president Vladimir Putin in the past, was in the process of attempting to sell Chelsea, and the sanctions have put the sale in doubt despite the oligarch claiming the proceeds would have been donated to victims of the war.

While Chelsea have been granted a special sporting licence to continue operating as a football club, measures were placed upon them including a ban on selling merchandise and tickets to non-season-ticket holders.

It cast a shroud over Chelsea heading into Thursday's game, but Tuchel feels the fact they were already preparing for a match helped the squad keep their focus away from off-field matters.

Tuchel told BeIN Sports: "It's big news, huge impact of course, that's why it's big news. It is the subject of all the talk [in the squad].

"Normally we'd talk maybe about the Champions League games from yesterday but nobody talked about that, just the impacts of the new facts around the club.

"In the end it's also nice to enter a fixed schedule approaching a match. So, there's three-hours before [the game] we eat, and then we have a tactical meeting, then a set-piece meeting, then we go to the stadium.

"So, it helps you to focus because we're used to it. In the end we cannot influence it, we did not cause the situation, so we allowed ourselves to enjoy the fact we're here and are privileged to play football in the Premier League, and we wanted to show the best things.

"Sometimes it's good to sweat it out, so we tried to work hard, tried to convince the team to work really hard together and that's sometimes the best thing to get the focus back."

Certain sections of the Chelsea support have criticised the media for asking Tuchel about off-field matters since Abramovich announced he had put the club up for sale.

There have been suggestions Tuchel should only be asked questions relating specifically to the football his team play, but the German appeared relaxed about having to answer about off-field topics.

"I would love to talk about sports but I understand [the media] have a lot of questions," he continued.

"Unfortunately, I don't know much more than you, maybe it's the opposite, but we're also an entertainment and that's why it's like this."

Chelsea's off-field uncertainty was no barrier to victory over struggling Norwich City on Thursday as the Blues left Carrow Road with a 3-1 win.

The British government earlier confirmed Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen as part of its sanctions against high-profile Russian individuals and entities in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

These sanctions were imposed just as Abramovich was attempting to sell the club, meaning Chelsea's future is shrouded in uncertainty, but on the pitch at least it was business as usual to a degree.

Trevoh Chalobah and Mason Mount had Chelsea two up inside 14 minutes, though their second-half performance offered Norwich encouragement with Teemu Pukki pulling one back from the spot.

But a Norwich comeback never materialised as Kai Havertz put the game beyond them late on to keep the Canaries bottom, while Chelsea moved eight points clear of fourth-placed Arsenal. 

Considering Norwich's poor defensive record, Chelsea were always going to get chances – they just may not have expected an opener to come so soon.

Feeble Norwich defending saw Chalobah nudge home from close range after Mount's delivery in the third minute, and it was 2-0 not long after.

The excellent Havertz pulled the ball back to Mount on the edge of the box, and following a drop of the shoulder, he exquisitely found the top-right corner.

Chelsea's intensity dropped after the break, though it was not until the 69th minute that their lead looked under threat, as Pukki coolly slid home a penalty after Chalobah handled a cross from lively substitute Milot Rashica.

Norwich's hopes of a late turnaround were dashed in the 90th minute, Havertz picking out the top-left corner with aplomb.

What does it mean? On-pitch stability vital for Tuchel

There is nothing Tuchel and his players can do about the chaos that is encircling Chelsea. All of that will be played out in the boardroom.

But the last thing they need now would be a wobble on the pitch, as they could quickly begin to slide down the Premier League table.

While the next few weeks – at least – look set to be challenging for Chelsea in almost every sense, this was at least a victory that prevented questions of being asked of the players' mentalities.

Mount the instigator

Although he was slightly quieter in the second half, Mount deserves recognition for his all-round performance. The midfielder was a major attacking threat, having an involvement in two of Chelsea goals, while his four shots and five key passes were match highs – only twice before has he set up more chances in a single Premier League game.

Rachica brought hope for Norwich

Norwich were massively improved in the second half, with Havertz's late strike arguably flattering the visitors. Rashica was key to the hosts' showing after the break with a lively display on the left flank, his two key passes the most of any player in yellow – it was also his cross that led to the penalty.

What's next?

Chelsea welcome Newcastle United to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, while Norwich head to out-of-form Leeds United the same day.

Pep Guardiola admits he feels sorry for rival boss Thomas Tuchel after Chelsea were left with an uncertain future by sanctions imposed on owner Roman Abramovich.

Manchester City manager Guardiola said he was unclear about the implications of the action brought about by the United Kingdom government, and he was unwilling to delve into what it might mean for European club champions Chelsea.

Long-time Chelsea owner Abramovich was one of seven Russian oligarchs facing new measures after Thursday's announcement, and the impact on Chelsea looks to be significant.

Abramovich, who has previously been photographed with Russian president Vladimir Putin, has had his assets frozen, with the decision made in the wake of Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Chelsea have been granted a special sporting licence to be able to continue trading as a football club, but measures have been placed upon the club including a ban on selling tickets, with only season-ticket holders permitted to attend matches.

Guardiola said he did not "know exactly the reason why" the sanction had been imposed, but he understood the consequences for Tuchel and his Chelsea playing squad would be challenging.

"Of course with the position for the manager, for Thomas Tuchel and the players, it's uncomfortable, and I feel sorry for them because they're there to do their job as well as possible," Guardiola said. "For the rest, I don't know, I have to wait."

Chelsea beat City in last year's Champions League final, and they sit third in the Premier League this season, with Guardiola's team in a title battle with Liverpool further up the table.

Speaking in a pre-match news conference ahead of City's trip to Crystal Palace, which does not take place until Monday, Guardiola acknowledged Premier League managers and head coaches are often asked about subjects in which they lack specialist knowledge.

"We are the face of the club, we're here every day, and you ask freely whatever you want, but you have to understand there are subjects we don't know," he said.

"We don't have a one-hour lesson to speak or talk about what you're asking for.

"I always feel confident talking about my club. It was difficult last week talking about the situation for Man United: I don't know, I'm not there. Now the situation with Chelsea is the same.

"I'm empathic enough to put in the position of the manager of Chelsea and the players. It must be an uncomfortable situation, but it was this morning's headlines and I don't know what's going to happen.

"I prefer when I don't have the knowledge or opinion about any subject to wait, and this is what I have to do. I don't want to say something that's uncomfortable for Chelsea or for our club, or whatever."

Guardiola was asked about whether managers and coaches now needed to consider carrying out due diligence on the teams they might join.

"You're right, yeah. It looks like you have to know absolutely everything," Guardiola said.

"Maybe in the next press conference I will have more of a clear opinion. I would like to speak with my CEO about exactly what is the reason why, what happened, and after I can talk more comfortably."

Thomas Tuchel knows Andreas Christensen could be on his way out of Chelsea in light of reports he is set to sign for Barcelona.

Tuchel conceded that Christensen may have already decided to leave the European and world champions for pastures new at the end of this season, but made clear he wants the 25-year-old centre-back to stay.

Reports on Wednesday suggested the Denmark defender is on the verge of agreeing terms with Barca.

Speaking at a media conference ahead of the Blues' Premier League fixture at Norwich City on Thursday, Tuchel said when asked about Christensen's future: "It's in doubt, no?

"We hear the rumours and the situation with Andreas has clear for many weeks and we are not happy about it, because we think that it's best for him to stay and we rely heavily on him.

"He did not sign yet, so you cannot not communicate. This is also a signal to us and communication from his side is that he did not sign until now, so we have to consider the possibility that he leaves us.

"Will we like it? No. Will we live with it? Yes. Things are not personal [and] never should be personal, but this can happen and I have no further information."

Tuchel also confirmed Reece James is a doubt for the trip to Carrow Road after suffering a muscle injury in the 4-0 win at Burnley on Saturday.

The England right-back recently returned from injury and registered a goal and an assist at Turf Moor before being replaced by Mateo Kovacic in the 70th minute.

"Reece James has a bit of a muscular problem after his last three matches," Tuchel said. "Not in his injured leg, the other leg. We thought he could be on the [training] pitch today but he couldn't so we need further examinations to see what is going on.

"He felt it during the match so that's why we took him out and it didn't get better. It's obvious what he can give to our team, so not good news at the moment."

Tuchel is proud of the manner in which his players have gone about their business amid uncertainty at Stamford Bridge following Roman Abramovich's decision to sell the club.

"To have clarity is always better than to have uncertainty, but I have to say we produced performances and we produced results in times of global uncertainty and also club-wise uncertainties, that makes us proud," he said.

"It shows we can trust in ourselves and gives us a lot of trust in the culture of the club and here at Cobham. At the moment I have absolutely no more information than you have [on the sale], for sure."

Thomas Tuchel praised the quality of Reece James after the wing-back registered a goal and an assist in Chelsea's 4-0 thrashing of Burnley.

James has recently returned to action after suffering an injury in December's 1-1 draw with Brighton and Hove Albion, playing just over an hour in Chelsea's EFL Cup final loss to Liverpool and appearing in an FA Cup win at Luton Town before starring at Turf Moor.

The England wing-back scored a superb opening goal early in the second half, twisting and turning before firing a neat finish into the bottom-left corner, before supplying an assist for Kai Havertz's second goal of the day as the Blues netted three times in eight second-half minutes.

With 11 goal involvements in the Premier League, James is the first defender in Europe's top five leagues to register at least five goals and assists this season, and Tuchel was full of praise for him after the comfortable win.

"We missed him for such a long time that you get used to it," Tuchel said. "It was nine weeks and in this time we had something like 25 matches, so we were constantly trying to find solutions and we did it as a team.

"We managed to win games and even titles in this period but once he's back and plays three times, today the first time from the beginning, you see what you missed. 

"[He has] such huge quality and it's very impressive how decisive he is in training and now even in the games.

"These [wing-back] positions are very important when you play with this [3-4-3] structure and it's the same on the left side, so it puts things into perspective when you see what we missed.

"I'm very happy that he came back like this."

James is also one of just three English players to record at least five goals and assists this term in the Premier League, alongside West Ham's Jarrod Bowen and Chelsea team-mate Mason Mount.

Meanwhile, Tuchel was also keen to praise the influence of Thiago Silva, after the 37-year-old contributed to Chelsea's third consecutive league clean sheet.

Before racking up their four second-half goals, Chelsea came under a good deal of Burnley pressure in a tense first period, and Tuchel was keen to highlight the Brazilian's importance against a physical home side.

"He's so professional. The dressing rooms are not so big here [at Turf Moor], which is not a problem, but when you're in there so close with the team you can see his focus, and how professionally he prepares for every game. 

"That's why he can perform like this.

"In a match where you have so many long balls and so many second balls, and where you rely so heavily on the quality of your first touch if you win a duel in the air, it makes a huge difference and that's what he does.

"It's very impressive but I can tell you he works very hard, and on top of it he's a fantastic person and a big character in the dressing room."

Thomas Tuchel believes it was inappropriate for Chelsea fans to chant Roman Abramovich's name during a show of solidarity with Ukraine prior to Saturday's 4-0 win at Burnley.

A Kai Havertz double and goals from Reece James and Christian Pulisic gave the Blues a comfortable Premier League victory at Turf Moor, but the pre-match applause for the victims of the war in Ukraine was overshadowed by visiting supporters chanting the name of Chelsea's Russian owner.

Abramovich this week announced he has put the club up for sale after the billionaire – like other high-profile Russian individuals and entities – was touted as a potential target for British government sanctions, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. 

Tuchel was not impressed with the timing of the supporters' chants after the win, reiterating his solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

"It's not the moment to do this [chant Abramovich's name]," the 48-year-old said.

"Listen, if we show solidarity, we show solidarity, and we should do it together. 

"We take the knee together and if an important person from our club or another club unfortunately dies, we show a minute of respect. It's not the moment to give other messages. It's the moment to show respect.

"We do this because this is what we are also as a club. We show respect as a club and we need our fans to commit to this minute of applause. 

"At this moment, we do it for Ukraine and there is no second opinion about the situation there. They have our thoughts and our support.

"We should stand together as a club. It's not the moment for other messages."

The former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain coach was also asked whether it had been possible for his players to ignore the off-pitch controversy surrounding the club.

He insisted debates over Chelsea's ownership had not impacted their performances.

"It is possible [to ignore the speculation], because we do it," he continued.

"We had a brilliant match at Wembley [the EFL Cup final loss to Liverpool], then we were at Luton [in the FA Cup] and were twice behind but turned it around, three days later we arrive at Burnley and you know what's waiting.

"Again, we stepped up. So, it shows a lot of character."

Tuchel's team have now won three consecutive Premier League matches, the same amount of victories they managed in their previous 11, during which they drew six and lost two.

Despite the speculation surrounding the future of the club, Chelsea's win over Burnley was the biggest by an away team in a Premier League match that had been goalless at half-time since Tottenham won 4-0 at Aston Villa in December 2012.

Pep Guardiola hailed the "attractive" high-intensity philosophy that German-influenced managers have implemented in the Premier League, but insists he will stick with his own principles.

There are several Premier League bosses whose experiences include coaching stints in Germany, with Jesse Marsch, Ralf Rangnick, Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp and Ralph Hasenhuttl among them.

The fast-paced style of play, designed to profit from regaining possession high up the pitch, has many advocates, with current Manchester United interim boss Rangnick a key figure behind its success.

New Leeds United head coach Marsch was Rangnick's assistant at RB Leipzig, where Southampton's Hasenhuttl took charge when the current short-term Old Trafford chief departed in 2016.

Chelsea boss Tuchel pinpointed Rangnick as a mentor after playing under him at Ulm, while Liverpool's Klopp has utilised similar ideas to challenge Guardiola's Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Going into the weekend, City sat six points clear of Liverpool, who had the chance to cut the gap to three when they played West Ham on Saturday. The Manchester derby awaits City on Sunday.

"With Jesse Marsch arriving at Leeds it is already a tendency," Guardiola told Sky Sports of the Bundesliga influence. "Five teams, important ones, playing this way, it is because what happened in Germany arrived here.

"Five important teams and managers all playing this way. Transitions, playing inside, high pressing, everybody together, it doesn't matter if we lose the ball because I recover the second one and attack you again, you lose it again and you lose it again.

"This incredibly good methodology, it is the deep tendency here in England."

Asked whether the approach was for him, the Spaniard said: "It is so attractive when they do it well. It is so attractive for the spectators, and they have had success.

"Of course, I learn a lot in Germany. I adapt. Listen, I am from Catalunya, you know. My education, my football education, comes from there. And I learn a lot here, I learn a lot in Germany, but my principles come from there."

Guardiola's emergence through the Barcelona system means he is indoctrinated in that way of playing. Regardless of the trophy achievements of the likes of Klopp, the Spaniard says that when it comes to his method, he "cannot change it because they have success".

He expects a difficult task against United, who entered the weekend on the longest current unbeaten run in the Premier League (eight games), as City eye a league double over the Red Devils for just the second time under Guardiola.

But the former Bayern Munich and Barcelona chief insists he is learning that, whatever the result, he must be more patient on the touchline whichever way the game goes.

"I understand more that the players can make mistakes," he said. "Before, I was more anxious, more angry. Sometimes I am, but I understand because I know they want to do well. I know they want to win against Manchester United.

"I know they want to win the Premier League. I know they want to win the Champions League."

He spoke of always being "anxious and angry".

"But after the action is done, it is gone. I cannot correct this action. So why am I shouting about how they have behaved?" Guardiola said.

The 51-year-old City boss is learning that his players are not automatons, and that while he might complain that "they don't listen to me", he is reconciled to the limitations of his pitchside influence.

Guardiola added: "I have to understand at the end that as much as I want to change, I will not change."

Thomas Tuchel says Chelsea remains "the perfect fit" for him and he is trained to live with uncertainty after Roman Abramovich decided to sell the club.

Abramovich on Wednesday confirmed he will sell up after 19 years as owner of the European champions, saying the decision is "in the best interest of the club".

Tuchel revealed that players and staff have since been briefed by technical and performance advisor Petr Cech on the situation at Stamford Bridge, with the underlying message being to focus on football.

The Blues head coach, who signed a two-and-a-half-year deal to replace Frank Lampard in January 2021, says the dramatic developments have not left him considering his future.

He told reporters on Friday: "I have the opposite of a problem staying here. I've said many times I love working in the Premier League, I love to be in England.

"I feel the tradition and love for sports in general, and for football in particular, it is an amazing place to be.

"Chelsea is from my point of view a perfect fit. I love to be here, I love everything about the club and I hope it continues.

"There is now uncertainty, but isn't there always as a football manager? So I'm trained to live with it. Of course there are different levels, and this is quite the level I have to be honest, but I'm positive things will end well."

Chelsea return to Premier League action at Burnley on Saturday and Tuchel says they must put off-field issues to the back of their mind.

"It doesn't make sense to worry too much because we don't have a lot of influence, if any influence at all," he added.

"We are allowed to focus on football and do the best to focus on football.

"It was not only the team [who had a briefing after the FA Cup win at Luton Town] but the whole staff, this is what we try and do, to create an atmosphere where you feel safe once you enter the building, where you feel calm, because we do this on a daily basis it can help now with the situation.

"Of course there is uncertainty, like with all humans, there are almost 100 people in the building and everybody will feel different about this.

"Some will feel scared, some will feel excited, some will feel sad and I think everything is allowed for every individual, but we can and should allow ourselves to focus on what we love the most and this is football."