Thomas Tuchel sad to see Antonio Rudiger leave Chelsea with Real Madrid transfer expected in summer

Thomas Tuchel says he has to «accept» Antonio Rudiger’s impending exit from Chelsea even though he doesn't think «anybody likes this decision». Rudiger, 29, has been a mainstay of the defence under Tuchel but looks set to leave this summer when his contract expires. Ad/> Tuchel said at the weekend the club’s “hands were tied” after sanctions against owner Roman Abramovich prevented them from offering new contracts.

FootballRudiger agrees four-year Real Madrid contract after Chelsea's 'hands tied' – reports25/04/2022 AT 10:43 It has been reported that Rudiger has agreed a deal to join Real Madrid. “I don't think that anybody likes it because Toni has been a huge factor in our one-and-half seasons together,” said Chelsea head coach Tuchel. “He gives everybody confidence in the dressing room, he is a unique character, he is an aggressive leader, he is available over 100 per cent of the matches, like 90 per cent of the matches he is simply available, and he plays on an outstanding level and gives you confidence if you play next to him or around him.

“He takes the focus away from others. He takes responsibility. He loves responsibility.

I don't think that anybody likes this decision, but in the moment, we have to accept it, and we will accept it. Rudiger set to sign four-year deal with Real Madrid Will Klopp usurp Guardiola as world's best coach? “Like it or not, there will be life at Chelsea after Toni. For him and for us, it is the most important thing that it ends like it started and like it was for one-and-half years, on the highest level possible.