“I almost joined Tuchel at PSG because of Frank Lampard” – Chelsea player finally reveals after threat under Lampard
Antonio Rudiger has spoken up about being regarded surplus to needs at Chelsea under Frank Lampard before re-establishing himself.
After losing his place in the starting XI under Lampard, who told him he was no longer needed, the German’s future at Stamford Bridge was in doubt. Rudiger was a regular throughout the previous manager’s first season at the club, barring a groin injury, but he lost his spot the following season.
Rudiger only started four Premier League games from the start of the 2020-21 season in September until Lampard’s dismissal at the end of January, causing him to ponder joining Thomas Tuchel at PSG. Rudiger said to DAZN about that time in his career:
“I was no longer in the squad. I was told to leave but was never told directly. It got in my way. I was ready to go and wanted to go to Tuchel and PSG at the time. But that didn’t work out; everyone noticed what happened between Paris and Tuchel.
He continued: “Then I said to myself that I would wait until winter. Head down, train hard and show it to my critics -. When there was a crisis under Lampard at the end, he backed me.”
Once Tuchel arrived at Stamford Bridge, Rudiger was reinstated back into Chelsea’s lineup as the defender showed Lampard what he was missing, producing eye-catching displays.
He has continued in the same vein this season too, by being among the best players in the Blues squad. Speaking about his motivation during the difficult phase under Lampard, the 29-year-old added:
“It wasn’t about Lampard or anyone else, just me. I wanted to prove it to myself. For me, my family and my closest circle, it was about showing that I still have the quality to keep up with the best.”
Rudiger is all set to leave Chelsea this summer after five seasons, though.