Toni Rudiger’s rich vein of form continued at both ends of the pitch at Leicester at the weekend with a goal added to the continued accumulation of clean sheets the defender has played a big part in keeping.
While there are frequent media stories about the 28-year-old’s contract situation, with his current one due to finish at the end of this season, his manager Thomas Tuchel remains unconcerned about the effect that is having on a prominent member of his watertight back-three rearguard.‘It was a very strong performance again from Toni,’ reflects Tuchel on the game at Leicester.
‘It does not affect this mentality, it does not affect his quality and it does absolutely not affect his behaviour. He is fully committed to Chelsea right now.‘I am absolutely sure he feels the trust and respect and the love from the club and from the spectators. He is a big competitor and he is in exactly the right spot. He is in the most competitive league, he is at a club where he really matters and that suits him perfectly, so let's be patient and hopefully we have a good ending.’
The Chelsea boss describes the relationship he has with Rudiger as a good, honest and trustful one.‘Toni knows his role and he accepts his role and lives it to the absolute maximum,’ Tuchel adds.‘We demand a lot and he delivers a lot. I think a good relationship always helps me as a coach and helps every player. We want to instal this and keep this. At the moment this is what we have and now it is Toni and my duty to keep this going.’