Thomas Tuchel showed the first public signs of solidarity since the UK government sanctioned owner Roman Abramovich by insisting he is ‘still happy’ to be manager.

On a day when Abramovich was named alongside other oligarchs on the UK’s sanctions list following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Tuchel’s future as manager came in to sharp focus.

Jamie Carragher urged Manchester United to look into poaching Tuchel from Chelsea with Chelsea’s future mired in uncertainty.

But ahead of Thursday night’s game away to Norwich, Tuchel spoke of being ‘happy’ to still be Chelsea’s manager.

‘I am still happy to be here and still happy to be manager of a strong team,’ he told BBC Sport.

‘I know there is a lot of noise around.

‘I don’t have another answer for you. Relief would mean we struggle with all the information and news out there.

‘It is a big change from yesterday to today. At the moment it seems on the football side it is almost protected.

‘I feel privileged to have the chance to be involved in games, coaching and football that I love.’