Tammy Abraham defends ‘big bro’ Antonio Rudiger after Frank Lampard sacking
The Blues opted to fire Lampard this week and replace him with German tactician Thomas Tuchel
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Tammy Abraham has leaped to the defence of “big bro” Antonio Rudiger amid speculation over a divide in the Chelsea dressing room following the sacking of Frank Lampard.
Thomas Tuchel was hired as Lampard’s successor on Tuesday with talk of a split in the Blues camp.
Rudiger was frozen out of Lampard's plans earlier this season, but the German defender eventually made his way back into the first team picture in recent weeks and started three of the last four games of Lampard's reign.
And in a sign of unity, Abraham has echoed Callum Hudson-Odoi's previously glowing praise of Rudiger's character.
READ MORE: The inside story on how Chelsea made the decision to sack Frank Lampard
"Hearing some mad stuff about Antonio Rudier on social media today. Complete nonsense. Toni is a big bro to all of us," the striker wrote on Twitter.
The thoughts of Abraham were also backed by legendary Chelsea striker Didier Drogba: "Well said Son, THIS IS THE WAYYY!!! Stick together, get results and the fans will forgive you everything. Critics hurts but when you are together it makes tou (sic) stronger and better".
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel must be more than just a football brain to succeed in the Premier League
Rudiger had spent a sustained period on the sidelines recovering from injury alongside Hudson-Odoi, with the winger emphasising the importance of the Germany international's role in his rehabilitation.
“In the gym we pushed each other harder,” Hudson-Odoi said. "Toni was the one who was always there, like a bigger brother.
“When I was injured and at home he would call me to make sure all was well. He didn't have to do that. He didn't have to come and visit me. But he did.”
Tuchel takes charge of his first game this evening as the Blues entertain Wolves, who inflicted defeat on them earlier this season thanks to a late goal from Pedro Neto.
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