Chelsea star breaks his silence on claims he tried to get Lampard sacked

The Blues ace has broken his silence on rumors he asked the club board to sack Lampard as manager.

Antonio Rudiger has denied ‘nonsense rumors’ claiming he played a role in Frank Lampard’s dismissal as Chelsea manager.

The club legend lost his job last week following a run of five defeats in his last eight league games in charge. The dip in form led Chelsea to replace him with former Paris Saint-Germain coach Thomas Tuchel.

Reports later emerged, however, suggesting Rudiger may have played a part in sealing Lampard’s fate. The German, who has struggled for regular opportunities this season, allegedly approached the club board.

🗣️ Antonio Rudiger: "I’ve never talked with the board about the situation of the coach or on any other topics.

“Frank Lampard trusted in my abilities after Christmas in a very difficult situation and I was thankful for this."#CFC pic.twitter.com/29lLjaOJn7

— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) February 2, 2021

“There have been so many nonsense rumors about me since last week. I’ve never talked with the board about the situation of the coach or on any other topics,” Rudiger told The Athletic.

“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.”

Rudiger has started each of Tuchel’s first two games in charge of Chelsea in the Premier League.