Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger has admitted that Chelsea's Premier League title chances are now over.
The Blues have won just one of their last seven top-flight games, with last week's defeat to Manchester City and draw with Brighton leaving them with 13 points to make up.
Pep Guardiola's side are firm favourites to win their second title on the trot come May, with Liverpool also trailing them by a significant distance.
However, it is unique for a player to come out and admit that their side are now out of contention, especially as Thomas Tuchel's men were leading the charge just months ago.
That is what Rudiger has done in the build up to the Sunday clash with Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.
"It went a bit downhill for us to be honest and a big dip of form," Rudiger said in an interview with Sky Sports.
"Covid and everything injuries didn’t quite come in our way but the thing is for me personally I don’t like looking for excuses because it wasn’t like we didn’t have any chances so that’s why I can’t put it only on that.
"Where we see where we were and where we are now and the gap again to City is so clear again for me is a huge dip in form.
"My honest opinion yes [the title race is over]. Of course there’s a lot of games to play but personally I don’t see City having the dip we have had."
The comments are unlikely to go down well with the Chelsea fans, who will want to see all their players fighting until another title is not mathematically possible.
Rudiger's own future remains up in the air and admitted in the same interview that nothing has yet been decided.
But he did admit that he remains committed to the club and is not being distracted by rumours.
"Fully committed [to Chelsea] as always, down for the cause and at the end of the day talks are between my side and the club and that’s everything you need to know," he added.
"I always said it’s my kids were born here in London so it tells you my family is great here but the rest is up to other people they also have to make decisions and we will see if we come together or not."
