Tuchel says no one is happy with Rudiger’s departure

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has said no one is happy with the impending departure of Antonio Rudiger from the club.

This comes as Rudiger has reportedly reach verbal agreement with Real Madrid and is expected to join them in the summer.

Speaking to reporters at a press conference, Tuchel said: “I don’t think anybody likes it because Toni is a huge factor in our last one-and-a-half seasons. He gives everyone confidence in the dressing room, he is a unique character, aggressive leader, he is available 90% of the matches, and he plays on an outstanding level.

“He gives you confidence if you play next to him, if you play around him, he sometimes takes the focus towards him, he loves taking responsibility, so I don’t think anybody likes this decision.

“We have to accept and will accept it. There will be life at Chelsea after Toni, and the most important now is that it ends like it started for the one-and-a-half years, which is on the highest level possible, and there is where the focus needs to be right now.”