Chelsea sale: Kante doubles down on Tuchel stance despite surprise admission

N'Golo Kante admits the Chelsea dressing room were "not prepared" when Roman Abramovich announced his intention to sell the club, but is keeping his focus on footballing matters.

The Russian billionaire stated on Tuesday that he was looking to offload the west London outfit.

It will bring the curtain down on his near two-decade ownership of the Stamford Bridge club and brings with it a sense of uncertainty.

On the pitch Abramovich's millions have made Chelsea a global force with Kante enjoying huge success since his move in 2016.

Mounting pressure from MPs amid Russia's invasion on Ukraine were no doubt factors in the 55-year-old's decision to sell up.

And whilst the players were caught off guard by the news Kante is determined to focus on matters on the pitch.

"It's something we were not prepared [for], it came quickly," he told Sky Sports News.

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He then added: "The only thing we can do, because we don't control these things, is to do the best that we have always done.

"Which means that playing football at the best [possible level], for us, for the club, for the fans and see how the things are going and it's the only thing we can control."

Chelsea recently claimed the Club World Cup but have fallen away in the Premier League title race.

Thomas Tuchel and co were denied in the Carabao Cup final but are still in contention for the FA Cup and Champions League.

Abramovich's imminent departure will no doubt lead to a host of questions.

Tuchel was quizzed on the team's potential sale after the Blues had come from behind to beat Luton Town in the FA Cup.

The German had asked that questions regarding the owner not be directed at him earlier in the week, but was relaxed about the prospect of having new people at the top.

"I'm not so much worried," Tuchel said. "I hope and trust for the best. It's big news, it will be a big change but I'm never afraid of change. I will focus on what I can influence, which is the team and my work."

Abramovich said that his reasons for selling Chelsea were taken in the club's best interest whilst he would not be seeking any financial renumeration for loans he had afforded them.

He said this week: "I would like to address the speculation in media over the past few days in relation to my ownership of Chelsea FC.

"As I have stated before, I have always taken decisions with the Club's best interest at heart. In the current situation, I have therefore taken the decision to sell the Club, as I believe this is in the best interest of the Club, the fans, the employees, as well as the Club's sponsors and partners."