Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admits it will take more than ‘words and pampering’ to convince defender Antonio Rudiger to remain at Stamford Bridge. 

Rudiger’s contract with Chelsea is set to expire at the end of the current season and the German is yet to sign an extension. Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation as they want to sign him for free in the summer but Tuchel believes the club’s ongoing talks with the defender are in ‘good hands’.

Asked whether he had been taking Rudiger for coffee and dinner to get the centre-back on the side, Tuchel joked: “I don’t know if that helps! Maybe that would push him out.”

“I don’t feel he needs a lot of coffees with me. He needs to feel the connection and the trust, he wants to feel it by minutes and actions. He doesn’t need words and pampering.

“He is a top professional, this is what he proves. He is very important, nothing has changed. It’s in good hands, I trust the club and my player. it’s not a problem for me. Toni can still deliver for us so he’s super reliable, nothing has changed.”

“Once something changes you will be one of the first to know.”

The 29-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United is free to negotiate with clubs outside the Premier League for a pre-contract.

See also: Tuchel reveals Chelsea’s January transfer plans