Antonio Rüdiger affirms commitment to Chelsea before Atlético Madrid tie
Antonio Rüdiger has said he wants to sign a new contract at Chelsea despite admitting he was shocked to lose his place at the start of the season and considered offers from Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham.
The Germany centre-back, whose contract expires in June 2022, has experienced a change in fortunes since Chelsea replaced Frank Lampard with Thomas Tuchel in January. Rüdiger fell out of favour under Lampard after the arrival of Thiago Silva last summer and wanted to leave after being omitted from several matchday squads.
His situation alerted PSG, who were managed by Tuchel, and he spoke to José Mourinho about joining Spurs on loan. Rüdiger, who is in line to start when Chelsea host Atlético Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday, was unhappy after being frozen out by Lampard.
“I was obviously shocked,” Rüdiger said. “Some things I saw coming. Not being in the squad at all was not something I saw coming. But I took it on the chin. There were two teams – but mainly one team I was considering. PSG and there was a call also with Mourinho but this is something that didn’t happen.
“I was a bit upset because I knew I would not be playing that often. But then I had talks with Lampard and all of sudden I was back on the bench and then I had a couple of games. I just worked my way back. I played the last games of his reign and now things are going well.
“I’m very happy about it, but to be honest I always felt well in the club. They treated me nice, especially the board. No one told me you should leave, neither did Frank Lampard. The loans didn’t happen. But nobody told me I should leave.”
Rüdiger has become an integral player under Tuchel, who has conceded two goals in his first 12 games as manager, and is waiting to start talks over a contract extension. “It’s down to people who make these types of decisions, but at the moment for me it’s to concentrate on important matches,” the 28year-old said. “I’m sure we will resolve it.
“When things didn’t go my way I was always calm. I can’t give myself a contract, I have to wait to see what happens. But I love it here. Chelsea will always be my priority.”
Chelsea beat Atlético 1-0 in the first leg but they face La Liga’s leaders without the suspended Mason Mount and Jorginho, and Silva and Tammy Abraham are injured. Tuchel expects a tough test and acknowledged that he is looking for the best formula in attack. However, the German dismissed reports that Chelsea could sell Timo Werner this summer.
“There is simply no time to reflect on what is going to be in summer or next year,” Tuchel said. “I don’t see why he should be frustrated. Maybe all the stuff you read will hopefully disappear soon.”