Rudiger happy at Chelsea, says Tuchel

Thomas Tuchel has insisted that Antonio Rudiger is happy at Chelsea despite speculation over the defender’s future.

Rudiger is in the final year of his contract at Stamford Bridge and has yet to agree a new deal.

That has prompted reports that he could leave the club when the transfer window reopens in January or go on a free transfer next summer.

“I hope that they find a solution,” said head coach Tuchel.

“At the moment it’s between the club, the player and the agent.”

Reports have claimed that contract talks with Rudiger have stalled and that the club fear he will leave.

But Tuchel said: “I’m calm and relaxed. Whatever has to happen will happen.

“He has been excellent for a long time – very consistent at a very high level.

“I feel him very calm and very focused and it (the contract situation) is obviously not a distraction for him.

“Everything is in place. Give the things the time they need. Sometimes it takes longer and sometimes things are very fast.

“I think Toni feels very good at Chelsea and feels the respect that he has in the squad, which is well deserved because he delivers, and he feels the love from the supporters when he plays.

“So, not many reasons to change that. But in the end it’s between him and the club.”