“Very positive” – Lampard lifts the lid on his relationship with out-of-favour Chelsea star

Frank Lampard opens up on positive relationship with Antonio Rudiger

According to The Express, Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has opened up on his relationship with defender Antonio Rudiger.

The 27-year-old is yet to play a minute for the Blues this season. He has also made the squad just twice, against Brighton and Manchester United. Rudiger was an unused substitute in both matches.

With Thiago Silva now at the club, Chelsea were keen to offload Rudiger. Despite interest from across Europe, he stayed put at Stamford Bridge.

With the window closed for some weeks now, Chelsea appear to be ready to welcome the defender back into the fold.

“We have a very positive relationship.”

Lampard insists that there is no friction between the pair and that they have a very positive relationship. The Chelsea boss also hinted that the player could have a role to play in the coming weeks.

The signings of Edouard Mendy, Thiago Silva and Ben Chilwell have seen a marked improvement in our defensive organization in recent matches. With a veteran such as Rudiger back in the reckoning, the rearguard can only get stronger.

Despite not playing for us this season, Rudiger has enjoyed better success for Germany. He has made five appearances for the national side.

Rudiger had admitted earlier in the season that he was determined to win his spot in the team back. With Lampard opening a door for him, it is now up to the defender to showcase he still has a role to play at the club.

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Having signed Thiago Silva, Chelsea have five centre-backs in the squad. It was recently reported that Fikayo Tomori could head out on loan in January.

With the youngster out of the way, Rudiger will find it all the easier to feature more regularly.