Jurgen Klopp Agrees With The Decision To Impose Sanctions On Chelsea
Jurgen Klopp believes the UK government were right to impose sanctions on Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
The billionaire announced his decision to sell the club last week, but any potential sale is on hold for the time being.
Abramovich's assets have been frozen and Chelsea are operating under a special government licence for now.
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Liverpool boss Klopp was asked about the sanctions ahead of his side's clash with Brighton and he admitted he feels sorry for opposing manager Thomas Tuchel.
He also expressed his sadness for the club's staff, but agreed with the sanctions imposed on Abramovich.
"Thomas and I know each other but we are not that close," Klopp said per the Telegraph. "We chat around the games, not in other moments.
"I feel for him and the players because it is nothing they are (responsible) for, what happens around. There is one man that is responsible for that and that is Vladimir Putin, in the first place.
"I don’t know about Roman Abramovich’s role in all these things but over the years you could guess that maybe he is pretty close [to Putin] and then I think the British government is right, to be 100 percent honest, but it is still not cool for all the people at Chelsea and all the supporters, I get that, but I think the government is right."
Abramovich has strongly denied having close links to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Sanctions on Chelsea mean they currently can't sell merchandise or tickets to games.
Shirt sponsor, mobile phone firm Three, have suspended their sponsorship and will be removing their logo from this season's jerseys.
Three will also be removing their branding from around Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea announced a multi-year partnership with Three in 2020 and they replaced longtime sponsor Yokohama Tyres.
Shirt manufacturer Nike are reportedly ready to 'walk away' from their partnership with the club.
Training shirt sponsor, Trivago, have confirmed they will not suspend their partnership with Chelsea.
A statement reads: "The uncertainty over the current ownership situation of Chelsea FC has been challenging.
"Moving forward, it is important to us to continue supporting the club, the fans and community along with the essential work that the Chelsea Foundation does to help those in need.
"We are looking forward to a transition of ownership as soon as possible and want to support the club in this process. We will provide any update to our business relationship if and when appropriate."
Chelsea currently sit third in the Premier League after a 3-1 win over Norwich City.
They return to action against Newcastle United on Sunday.
Topics: Jurgen Klopp, Premier League, Chelsea, Liverpool, Roman Abramovich
Daniel Marland