Former Chelsea assistant reveals Antonio Rudiger's struggles under Frank Lampard ahead of 'outstanding' spell
Jody Morris has revealed that Antonio Rudiger was “not fit” for most of Frank Lampard's time in charge of Chelsea.
The former Blues coach served as Lampard's assistant during his initial managerial tenure between 2019 and 2021.
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Rudiger He only made 35 appearances for the former midfielder as he was sidelined through injury when he arrived.
He later struggled to force himself to the side before being reinstated when lamp was replaced by Thomas Tuchel.
Discussing the Germany Of the defender's change of fortune, Morris told White & Jordan: “When we first went in there, Rudiger had a serious injury and wasn't fit to last for a long period.
“Has Rudiger played at the level he played with Tuchel anywhere else? I'm not sure. Before he went in there, never.
“But I understand it because, even after watching the games after we left, Rudiger, I don't think there was a better midfielder in Europe after that.
“But I think you can always get those types of players who excel under a new coach, a new system.
“I know that when Tuchel first came into Chelsea, I think this was from talking to Anthony Barry, who would align himself with an analytics company and then maybe see where the place is that he would like to improve the current team and the game equipment.
“I think the fact that he moved to a back three allowed three centre-halves to come in and play. “I think in a back three with full-backs, I think Tony Rudiger was absolutely outstanding.
“Not just from a defensive aspect, in fact, going forward, I thought he's got some traveling runs, but I'm not sure we've seen that level of performance before or maybe since.”
Rudiger was sidelined for three months with a groin injury during Lampard's first season in charge.
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He then made just four Premier League appearances the following campaign before the manager change in January 2021.
Tuchel immediately reinstated Rudiger in his defense, and Chelsea won the Champions League and Club World Cup that year.
These were two of five trophies won by the 31-year-old during five years with the Blues.
He also lifted the Europa League during that time, before joining real Madrid on a free transfer in 2022.
He has made 118 appearances for the Spanish club, winning La Liga and the Champions League last season.
His contract with Los Blancos ends in June 2026.
