Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, has warned centre-back, Antonio Rudiger, that ‘nobody is bigger than the club, amid the player’s current contract situation at Stamford Bridge.
Rudiger has been impressive for Chelsea since Tuchel took over from Frank Lampard in January.
The defender has started 14 of Chelsea’s opening 15 Premier League games so far this season.
But his contract at Chelsea will expire at the end of the season and he is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign teams from January 1, 2022, if an agreement with the Blues over a new deal is not reached by then.
Talks over a new deal for Rudiger have hit a stumbling block because Chelsea are believed to be reluctant to meet his demands of a salary in excess of £200,000-a-week.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Leeds United on Saturday, Tuchel called for patience as the west London club sought to tie Rudiger down to a new contract.
“We absolutely accept and are fully aware of the importance of Toni and the role that he’s playing on and off the pitch,” Tuchel said. “There is no doubt about that.
“It’s true that nobody is bigger than the club and this is a team effort and a strong club.
“It’s not only about Toni and I mean that in the best way because we know what he’s doing and we are fully aware of it.
“In the end, we need a bit of patience. I have no update right now.”
Tuchel added, “With Toni, his dip in form is very, very slight if there is even one.
“He’s played so much that he needed the break we gave him, but I honestly expect him to be in top shape now.”
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