We do not know if the Chelsea players are enjoying their stay in their luxury hotel in Lille, but if we were them, we would quickly take on all the bathrobes and slippers of the palace. Because it is undoubtedly the last time for ages that the English players, who challenge Losc this Wednesday at the Pierre Mauroy stadium in the round of 16 second leg of the Champions League, will live the good life on the move.
Since the British government imposed economic restrictions on the club owned by Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, it’s a bit like Chelsea players are living through a bad remake of Princess Sarah. Like the heroine of the famous 80s cartoon, the Blues lived in opulence for a long time before suffering a severe austerity crisis.
24,000 euros maximum on the move
No more royal suites, all inclusive, open bar or other luxurious advantages, from now on the club will not have to spend more than 24,000 euros all inclusive (travel, hotel, meals) on the move. Planned for a long time, the stay in Lille, which the English club will join by plane, had already been settled by the club. And fortunately because otherwise, we do not really know where the Blues would have slept.
“There is nothing more available on Wednesday evening for such a large group (30 people, players and staff included). Normally, with a budget of 800 euros per person, for one night there and a round trip by Eurostar, it goes without a problem provided that there is not a specific event in the city. On the other hand, it is necessary that the rooms are shared and that the stay does not last one more night”, explains Marine, of the agency Selectour of Lille.
Logistics problems from Saturday
We’re laughing but it’s really a preview of what awaits the European champions in the coming days. Because after Lille, Chelsea will find conditions that the club has probably not known for ages as Thomas Tuchel, the coach of the Blues, recognizes.
“There are new things to discuss, like how to get to games, things that are usually handled by the team that takes care of the organization. There are adjustments in the number of people traveling, the number of hotel rooms, how we go to matches, yes. There will be, they will arrive quickly ”. No later than Saturday when Chelsea will face logistical problems to play a Cup quarter-final at Middelsbrough.
Players ready to pay for their plane ticket
Even if no one at the club dares to complain about this change in status given the current context. “There are harder things in the world right now than knowing whether to take the bus or the plane for away games, but I will pay for my ticket if necessary, no problem”, reacts Kai Harvetz , the Blues striker, well aware that this was not the time to cry over this situation.
Even if going from a palace king size bed to an Ibis budget room in twin beds next to his snoring teammate is not the ideal preparation “It’s not a question of luxury or bling-bling. That’s what high level sport requires, when you only have two days off between games when your opponent has four. To limit the risk of injury, for example, it is better to travel by plane than by bus, ”concludes Tuchel who will therefore live in Lille his last moments in the world before. Message to hoteliers in Lille: empty the mini bars.
–
