Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has refuted claims of a rift with ex-manager Frank Lampard.

The German has been restored to the team by new manager Thomas Tuchel, with the team keeping two clean sheets in the past two games.

But he denied suggestions he had any personal issue with Lampard, who preferred Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma in defence.

"There have been so many nonsense rumours about me since last week. I've never talked with the board about the situation of the coach or on any other topics," Rudiger told The Athletic.

"Frank Lampard trusted in my abilities after Christmas in a very difficult situation and I was thankful for this. It was also the main reason why I told my representatives not to look for a possible winter move anymore.

"Unfortunately, it was not meant to be for our team to turn things around for the coach. We always wanted the best for the manager and for the club."

Rudiger added: "He took over the manager position last season when things were very complicated for all of us. But we managed to qualify for the Champions League together with him.

"He has given so many young players a chance in the first team and they are still doing an amazing job. I'm pretty sure we will see Frank Lampard back again at another club very soon."