Thomas Tuchel speaks out on speculation regarding Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger
According to Daily Mail, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is hopeful that Antonio Rudiger will renew his contract with the club. The German manager was speaking ahead of the game against Tottenham and addressed several issues including the speculation surrounding Rudiger.
If Chelsea or probably anyone needed proof of how important Rudiger is to the side, they need only watch his game-saving challenge against Zenit in the dying minutes of the game. Over the last season or so, Rudiger has reiterated his importance to the side and become a totemic presence in the backline.
However, not all is good with Rudiger at Chelsea. Rudiger’s current contract runs out in less than a year. That means foreign clubs can approach him over a pre-contract in January. Clubs such as Real Madrid, Juventus, PSG and Bayern Munich could be planning to do exactly that.
Ahead of the Spurs game, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel had to field some questions over the future of Rudiger.
‘I hope that they find solutions, but it’s not only between coaches and players, and what we wish for. And that’s why it’s between the club, the players and the agent at the moment. We hope that they find the solution and all I can say is he’s playing excellently, and for a long time has been very consistent, on a very high level. I feel him very calm and focused, and it’s not a distraction for him. So everything is in place, and give things the time they need. Sometimes it needs a bit longer, sometimes things are very fast.’
However, Tuchel added that he remains relaxed over the whole situation. While he refused to divulge much, he claimed that Rudiger is still an important part of the side and everyone at the club is happy with the German defender. Tuchel did somewhat encourage Rudiger to remain at the club. The club and player will eventually come to a decision is what Tuchel felt. (h/t Daily Mail)
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Tuchel will be hoping his trusted lieutenant does not leave the club just yet. He is too important a player in defence to be let go. However, a decision might need to be taken soon in January itself if he does not commit to a new deal. A potential sale could well be on the cards and Chelsea have to be ready for either outcome.
