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Chelsea news: Antonio Rudiger reveals Antonio Conte snub after controversial comments
ANTONIO RUDIGER admits he was 'probably' dropped by Antonio Conte for his comments after the draw with West Ham.
Antonio Rudiger believes Antonio Conte may have dropped him for post-West Ham comments
The German defender found himself left out of Chelsea's squad for the clash at Southampton, just days after angrily condemning his team for throwing away a one-goal lead.
Speaking after Javier Hernandez equalised for the Hammers earlier this month, Rudiger said: "But like the last few months, we didn't and we (conceded).
"For me, it's not easy to explain.
"I don't understand why after 1-0 we always drop and let the opponent get more ball possession.
"Like the last weeks again, we (gave) them a gift."
Antonio Rudiger may struggle to regain his place in the Chelsea side
I did not attack anyone personally, I meant us as a team
Conte clearly didn't respond well to Rudiger's apparent criticism of Chelsea's tactics.
But the former Roma defender has backtracked in recent days.
"Probably. But I didn’t mean it that way," he told German TV station ZDF when asked if his comment led to his exclusion from the St. Mary's clash.
"It was a fact, it wasn’t about the tactics.
"I did not attack anyone personally, I meant us as a team.
‘It’s just normal from my side."
And Rudiger went on to praise Conte, who may be set to leave the club this summer.
"He’s my coach," he added.
"I must respect him.
"And he’s a very, very good coach."