It was a difficult time for Chelsea in the second half of the 2021-22 season.

First, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government, and afterwards the club was as well sanctioned by the Premier League and the government.

There was a lot of uncertainty surrounding Chelsea at the time, and also the takeover process.

Chelsea midfielder Kai Havertz has revealed how last season’s sanctions rather brought the squad closer.

“It was a crazy time for all of us,” Havertz said of former owner Roman Abramovich being sanctioned. “There were then a lot of changes in the club which was strange for all of us, but we came through it.

“I think it helps that in the team we all get to know each other and also in different or difficult situations that everyone is together so I think it helped us as well.

“I think we are a special group. We see that in the changing room away from the pitch and on the pitch. We have a lot of young players who are maybe the same age.

“We have a lot of experienced players and I think we all fit together very well. You see it off the pitch that it is hopefully going to be a special year for us.”