Chelsea star Rudiger comes out in defence of Sarri tactics

Antonio Rudiger insists Chelsea’s problems have not been caused by Maurizio Sarri’s tactics.

Head coach Sarri is under intense pressure and fans have turned on him during recent matches.

However, speaking at a press conference, Blues defender Rudiger said:  “I think right now it’s about confidence. It’s not a tactical aspect from my point of view. It’s confidence and under-performing.”

Meanwhile, Sarri insists Chelsea can put a run of wins together and change fans’ opinions.

Also speaking at a press conference ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match against Malmo, he said: “It’s very easy; we need to win three or four matches in a row. It’s the only solution.

“I can understand very well the frustration of our fans because they are used to winning and now we are in trouble.

“But there isn’t another way. We only have to have good performances and good results.

“Of course in this moment it is very difficult to imagine that we are able to win three or four matches in a row.

“But in football everything can change in one day. I think first of all we need a good performance and good result and then with more confidence we are able to do everything.”

The home crowd barracked Sarri during the FA Cup defeat against Manchester United but he believes the recent 6-0 thrashing at Manchester City is the real reason for the anger being aimed at him.

He said: “I think the problem is the performance and the result against City. So for that match they are right, because we played very badly – without soul.

“So for that match I think they are right. I don’t agree for the last match, because we played a good match especially in the first half.”