Tammy Abraham and Cesar Azpilicueta have shrugged off reports of a training ground bust-up in West London that put German defender Antonio Rudiger in the spotlight.
Rumours of internal strife circulated weeks and even days before Frank Lampard was sacked after serving 18 months as the head coach.
Many of the team members who saw regular playing time in Lampard’s debut season, saw their time in the starting eleven restricted due to technical reasons, underwhelming performances, and apparent loss of morale.
One such individual was Antonio Rudiger. In the months that led to the Chelsea legend’s sacking, Rudiger was repeatedly pointed out as a negative influence in a team that failed to muster positive performances on the pitch.
Claims of a dispute arising between Azpilicueta and Rudiger began to surface as news of Lampard’s departure came out, to which the Spanish full-back has responded. (Goal.com)
“We didn’t have any issues and we don’t have. We always work together. As other players, we have sometimes our discussions, normal in football. When results are not going well, everybody has more tension around but nothing further than this.”
100% do not abuse Rudiger. You see now social media, lots of abuse, you know we doing campaigns about racism, all of this, and you know it’s sad when you see people abusing.” Azpilicueta said.
He pointed out the fact that people are quick to blame players in such difficult situations:
“We saw that (in the past) and sometimes when a manager leaves, people can blame some players but we are players, we are humans and we always want to do the best for the club, for the manager.”
While Tammy Abraham voiced out his opinion on Twitter, calling Rudiger his ‘big bro’:
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba gave his vote of support to Abraham’s solidarity with Rudiger, asking the team to stick together:
