Antonio Rudiger hits back at claims that he had problems with Frank Lampard
Speaking to SportBILD (h/t Daily Mail), Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has shut down talks that he had issues with former manager Frank Lampard.
Rudiger had fallen down the pecking order at the Bridge under Lampard, with the Blues legend preferring the centre-back partnership of Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva in the first half of the season.
So, when Lampard was relieved of his duties as the Chelsea manager last month, there were claims made that all was not well between Rudiger and him and that the German international had played a role in his sacking.
However, the 27-year-old has slammed those speculations, insisting that there were no problems between the pair.
“If I was so anti-Lampard, why would I have been on the pitch under him in his last games? It doesn’t make sense. Frank Lampard is very well respected in the club and by the fans.
“The perception that I was against the coach has more to do with the time around the start of the season when I wasn’t in the squad.”
Following the exit of Lampard towards the end of last month, Rudiger has enjoyed a new lease of life at Chelsea. Newly-appointed manager Thomas Tuchel has reintegrated the German centre-back in the squad.
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In fact, Rudiger has become a regular starter in Chelsea’s three-man defensive unit under the former PSG tactician. He has been a part of the defence that has conceded just one goal in six games under the new manager.