Rudiger credits Sarri with addressing the squad’s mentality issues after his furious reaction to their loss at Molineux. The Germany defender explained how the former Napoli manager’s reaction to their loss against Wolves contributed to their victory over the champions.
After a shock 2-1 loss against Wolves in their previous game, Chelsea ended City’s unbeaten league status with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge and Rudiger credits Sarri with addressing the squad’s mentality issues after his furious reaction to their loss at Molineux. Sarri raised eyebrows ahead of the City game by naming Eden Hazard as a central striker, something which the Belgium international had clashed with former boss Antonio Conte over last season, and leaving natural strikers Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud out of the side.
However, Rudiger backed his coach given the result over City, explaining that the tactics with Hazard as a false nine are now more likely to get the best out of the former Lille star. “The coach has given everyone the chance this season to prove themselves. Everyone has to accept this decision to play Hazard up front and perhaps it was a good choice. It wasn’t like last season when we tried to pump long balls to Eden. No, we tried to keep it on the ground.” Chelsea are back in action on Thursday as they look to make it six wins out of six in the Europa League against Vidi.