Antonio Rudiger Confirms Do Leave Chelsea Under Lampard, Credits Tuchel for Success
German defender Antonio Rudiger has shed light on his past frustrations at Chelsea, revealing he seriously considered leaving the club during Frank Lampard’s managerial reign.
Rudiger, who established himself as a key defensive figure for the Blues, joined Chelsea in 2017 and went on to win numerous trophies, including the Champions League, Europa League, and FA Cup.
However, his journey wasn’t always smooth sailing.
Speaking to Goal, the 30-year-old admitted to wanting to leave Chelsea during Lampard’s tenure due to limited playing time.
He expressed his desire to reunite with former manager Thomas Tuchel at Paris Saint-Germain but ultimately stayed put.
“I really wanted to leave,” Rudiger said. “But fate intervened, and Tuchel arrived at Chelsea six months later, leading us to Champions League glory together.”
Rudiger attributes his success under Tuchel to a better tactical fit and a strong personal connection with the manager.
He acknowledges the positive aspects of working with other coaches like Carlo Ancelotti, Antonio Conte, and Luciano Spalletti, but emphasizes his exceptional rapport with Tuchel.
“I got on particularly well with Thomas Tuchel,” Rudiger stated. “His honest approach and tactical brilliance resonated deeply with me.”