Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has denied having any involvement in discussions over the sacking of Frank Lampard.
The Blues legend was relieved of his duties last month after overseeing an alarming dip in form, and Lampard’s replacement Thomas Tuchel has quickly made Rudiger an established starter in the team.
Some reports had claimed that the German defender had urged the powers-that-be at Stamford Bridge to opt for a change in the dugout due to his struggles under Lampard, but he has brushed off those rumours as “nonsense”.
Speaking to The Athletic, Rudiger said: “There have been so many nonsense rumours around about me since last week. I’ve never talked with the board about the situation of the coach or on any other topics.
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“Frank Lampard trusted in my abilities after Christmas in a very difficult situation and I was thankful for this. It was also the main reason why I told my representatives not to look for a possible winter move anymore.
“Unfortunately, it was not meant to be for our team to turn things around for the coach. We always wanted the best for the manager and for the club.
“He took over the manager position last season when things were very complicated for all of us. But we managed to qualify for the Champions League together with him.
“He has given so many young players a chance in the first team and they are still doing an amazing job. I’m pretty sure we will see Frank Lampard back again at another club very soon.”
Rudiger – who was persistently linked with an exit last summer – did start three of Lampard’s final four Premier League matches in charge before he was sacked by the club.
