Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger insists he wasn't attacking manager Antonio Conte personally last week.

Rudiger admits he was dropped for victory at Southampton after speaking out following their 1-1 draw with West Ham.

"That's why I was probably banned, but I did not mean the criticism that way," he told ZDF.

"It was just a fact, it had nothing to do with tactics, I personally did not attack anyone, it meant to be for the team, I was a little surprised (that he was not selected). I think I have been in the last few months I played a lot, this was a short break."

Rudiger added: "Everything is just normal from my side, he's my coach, I have to respect him, and he's a very good coach."