Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has hailed Thomas Tuchel as a “football expert”.
Having lifted the Club World Cup, Tuchel ensured Chelsea have now won every available club competition under Roman Abramovich’s ownership and extended the German’s own hugely impressive individual record within knockout football for the club.
Ever since replacing Frank Lampard in January 2021, Tuchel has made at least the final of all cup competitions, delivering the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup and now the world title.
Rudiger has seen his career soar under his compatriot, establishing himself as one of the most in-demand central defenders in Europe after previously struggling to command much of a first-team berth under Lampard.
Speaking to German outlet Sport 1, the 28-year-old hailed his manager and pointed to Kepa Arrizabalaga’s form as a prime example of the improvements Tuchel has brought into the squad.
“He’s an absolute football expert who knows exactly what he expects from us on the pitch, and I think you can tell by looking at us,” he said.
“With his style, he takes the whole team with him and doesn’t forget anyone. You just have to look at the performance of our actual second goalkeeper, Kepa, in the semifinals, for example.
“Kepa has been written off by many but has done an outstanding job replacing Edou (Mendy) in recent weeks. Also because as a team we all believed in him, what a strong goalkeeper he still is.”
