CESAR AZPILICUETA denied suggestions of training ground bust-ups with Antonio Rudiger.
Instead the Chelsea captain insists he has ‘no issues’ with his fellow defender.
Cesar Azpilicueta denied there were any problems between him and fellow Chelsea defender Antonio RudigerCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Reports emerged earlier this week of the pair ‘clashing on more than one occasion’ at their Cobham base.
According to The Telegraph, tensions had risen between players under Frank Lampard’s leadership and it spilled into incidents as Azpilicueta tried to restore the peace.
But the Spaniard was determined to set the record straight.
He said: “With Toni, we didn’t have an issue and we have been working together for a few years.
“That news from outside, we’re not sure so that’s why Tammy [Abraham] and myself we both tweeted.
“Everything is fine and I can say that didn’t happen. We didn’t have any issues and we don’t have. We always work together.
“As with 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.
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“Normal footballers like normal workers in their offices or with other jobs with pressure who have to deliver and nothing further than this.
“There is not an issue, we are so committed.”
According to The Athletic, Rudiger and Azpilicueta addressed their situation at Thomas Tuchel’s first training session and the captain ‘offered his support’.
The report adds that their relationship is one of respect, even if they are not closest friends.
Abraham took to Twitter on Tuesday to defend Rudiger, too.
He wrote: “Hearing some mad stuff about @ToniRuediger on social media today. Compete nonsense. Toni is a big bro to all of us.”
Chelsea legend Didier Drogba replied: “Well said Son, THIS IS THE WAYYY!!! Stick together, get results and the fans will forgive you everything.
“Critics hurts but when you are together it makes you stronger and better.”
Azpilicueta and Rudiger both featured in Thomas Tuchel’s first game in charge.
And the pair – alongside Thiago Silva at the back – were largely untested as they kept a clean sheet against Wolves.
It marked Rudiger’s third 90-minute appearance in the Premier League in a row after working his way back into contention.
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Rudiger was supported by his team-mates following the suggestions he had stirred up tension at CobhamCredit: Rex Features
Tuchel yells out the nickname of Chelsea captain Azpilicueta wrong before Pulisic steps in to correct new boss
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
