Antonio Conte has dismissed suggestions he dropped Antonio Rudiger against Southampton because the defender appeared to criticise the Chelsea boss.
Conte said after the game at St Mary’s that it was “tactical decision” to leave Rudiger out of the matchday squad.
Rudiger was subsequently quoted in reports in his native Germany as saying he had “no idea” why he was left out.
That prompted speculation that he might have been axed for appearing to criticise Conte’s tactics following the recent 1-1 draw at home to West Ham.
However, Rudiger has since appeared on German television insisting his comments about the way Chelsea played after taking the lead in that game were not a criticism of his manager.
And, speaking at a media conference on Wednesday afternoon, Conte said: “I think he didn’t say anything wrong. I can confirm it was a technical and tactical decision.
“I have the opportunity, especially with my defenders, to make rotations. And when I have the opportunity, I can do this.”
Conte also confirmed that January signing Emerson Palmieri will play for Chelsea at Burnley on Thursday.
This post was last modified on 19/04/2018