Match Coverage

What Antonio Rudiger did after Chelsea’s pre-season defeat against Real Madrid

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Chelsea concluded their pre-season tour in the United States with a 2-1 defeat against Real Madrid.

It was their third of the summer, with Enzo Maresca‘s men also losing to Manchester City and Celtic.

Chelsea conceded eight goals in those two games combined, showing how poor they have been defensively during this tour.

Even so, City manager Pep Guardiola thinks Maresca can do good things at Chelsea. There were not too many positives to take from the Real Madrid match, though, a match that saw Antonio Rudiger go up against his former side.

Real Madrid v Chelsea - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Eston Parker/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Antonio Rudiger still has Chelsea in his heart

Rudiger left Chelsea for Real Madrid on a free transfer two years ago, and the central defender will have no regrets about departing Stamford Bridge.

At Real Madrid, Rudiger has already won some big trophies, including the Champions League last season.

The Germany international has not forgotten about his former club, however. After his side’s 2-1 win against Maresca’s team, he got himself a few new Chelsea shirts.

Chelsea fans would probably love to see him back in a blue jersey. Again, though, Rudiger’s decision to leave Chelsea has paid off.

Chelsea missing a defender like Antonio Rudiger

In terms of numbers, the new Chelsea manager certainly has options. When everyone is fit, Maresca will have Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi for the centre-back positions.

If Renato Veiga does not go out on loan, the 21-year-old is also another name for the Italian to consider.

However, none of Chelsea’s current centre-halves are as experienced as Rudiger, as aggressive as the 31-year-old. Their defence has just not been the same since he departed the club.

Supporters will now be hoping that new signing Adarabioyo can make the kind of impact Rudiger used to during his time in west London. Chelsea are pleased with Adarabioyo’s arrival, but fans would not have liked what they have seen from him and the rest of their defence in pre-season.