Thomas Tuchel says it is ‘pretty clear’ what Chelsea want regarding Antonio Rudiger’s contract, but he is remaining ‘calm’ amid the ongoing standoff.
The Germany international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign, meaning he can begin to negotiate with foreign teams over a free transfer from January 1.
The west London side are reported to have offered the defender fresh terms including a bump in pay, but, he is reportedly holding out for a figure around £200,000 per week.
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Though the speculation surrounding Rudiger’s future continues, Tuchel has said he and the player are relaxed over the situation.
‘We know that [he can speak to foreign teams in January], of course,’ said Tuchel on Friday. ‘It is pretty clear what we want but it is not like this in football when the coach or club wants something and things happen.
‘You have to accept that sometimes it can arrive and you end up in situations where things are in a bit of a delay and take time but I am very, very sure that Toni feels also how respected and what an important role he plays in this club.
‘I’m calm because I feel Toni is calm. I feel the situation here calm inside and from here we go.’
Fellow Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, who has been an important member of the team this season, is also out of contract in the summer of 2022.
But Tuchel is expecting ‘good news’ as soon as possible on the Denmark international’s future. He added: ‘Things are mature, respectful and clear. ‘Of course, there are some delays with Toni and Andreas.
‘Also with Andreas from my point of view, everybody wants the same thing.
‘Hopefully and obviously I expect some good news in the next days but every case is different. The situations are handled from all sides very carefully.
‘So, during the process, we can produce performances that we need to fulfil our goals and that’s the most important thing.’
