‘It’s not been easy’ – Mason Mount struggling to focus after Roman Abramovich sanctions hit Chelsea

Mason Mount admits he is struggling to focus on his performances after Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was hit by potentially devastating sanctions and says the situation has ‘not been easy’ for the players at Stamford Bridge.

Abramovich was one of several Russian oligarchs to be sanctioned by the UK government as part of its response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The move is intended to stop Abramovich – who is said to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, though he has denied this – from making money from the club.

On one of the most dramatic days in the club’s 117-year history, Mount scored and made an assist as Chelsea beat Norwich City 3-1 at Carrow Road.

Speaking about the situation at Chelsea following the well-deserved win, Blues academy graduate Mount said: ‘It’s not been easy, of course.

‘We see what’s happening behind the scenes and everything that’s going on, it can be hard to focus.

‘But I think we’ve been brilliant, especially today. With everything that’s happening off the pitch, for us to stay focused and stay on the ball to win this game, I thought we were brilliant.

‘We just need to focus on what we can do on the pitch, that’s our only goal.’

The England international added to BBC Sport: ‘You can’t really avoid it as there’s a lot going on. We have to focus on what we do on the pitch.

‘We had a game today and that was the only thing we could focus on. We did that today so now it’s about Sunday. You try not to look too much into it.’

Chelsea fans chanted Abramovich’s name during the victory at bottom club Norwich as Thomas Tuchel’s side strengthened their grip on third place in the Premier League.

Tuchel admitted the club now face an uncertain future but vowed to continue as manager and said Chelsea would