Jody Morris has revealed Antonio Rudiger ‘wasn’t fit’ for most of the time Frank Lampard was managing Chelsea.
The former Blues coach served as Lampard’s assistant during his initial managerial tenure between 2019 and 2021.
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Rudiger made just 35 appearances under the former midfielder having been sidelined through injury when he arrived.
He later struggled to force himself into the side before being reinstated when Lampard was replaced by Thomas Tuchel.
Discussing the Germany defender’s change in fortunes, Morris told White & Jordan: “When we first went in there, Rudiger had a serious injury and he wasn’t fit for a large spell.
“Has Rudiger played to the level that he played under Tuchel anywhere else? I’m not sure. Previously to us going in there, never.
“But I get that because even from watching the games after we left, Rudiger, I don’t think there was a better centre half in Europe after that.
“But I think you can always get those types of players that excel under a new manager, a new system.
“I know that when Tuchel first went into Chelsea, I think this is [from] speaking to Anthony Barry, that he would align with an analytical company and then maybe look at where is the place that he would like to improve upon the current squad and the playing squad.
“I think the fact that he moved into a back three allowed for three centre halves to come in and play. I think in a back three with wing backs, I think Tony Rudiger was absolutely outstanding.
“Not just from a defensive aspect, actually, going forward, I thought he has a few roaming runs, but I’m not sure we see that level of performance previously or maybe since.”
Rudiger was out for three months with a groin injury during Lampard’s first season in charge.
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He then made just four Premier League appearances the following campaign before the change of manager in January 2021.
Tuchel immediately reinstalled Rudiger to his defence, with Chelsea going on to win the Champions League and Club World Cup that year.
Those were two of five trophies won by the 31-year-old won during five years with the Blues.
He also lifted the Europa League during that time, before joining Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2022.
He has made 118 appearances for the Spanish club, winning La Liga and the Champions League last season.
His Los Blancos contract ends in June 2026.
