Thomas Tuchel has defended Antonio Rudiger after the Chelsea defender was at the centre of a mass confrontation following Jorginho's stoppage-time penalty that secured a 3-2 victory over Leeds United on Saturday.
The match at Stamford Bridge was fiercely contested, with Chelsea taking the lead through Mason Mount and two penalties from Jorginho, both awarded after Rudiger was fouled. Leeds equalised late through Joe Gelhardt, but Jorginho's second spot-kick deep into added time sparked chaotic scenes at the final whistle.
Rudiger ran the length of the pitch to confront Leeds players, including Diego Llorente, and had to be pulled away by teammates. Tuchel insisted the German's actions were understandable given his role as an emotional leader. 'If you have Toni you have Toni. You cannot have Toni as the emotional and aggressive leader, and not expect him to be involved when there are team-mates to protect,' Tuchel said.
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa played down the incident, describing it as 'within the margins of what was tolerable' given the high emotions. Tuchel admitted his side were fortunate to win, having conceded a first-half penalty to Raphinha and been pegged back late on, but praised Jorginho for playing through injury to score the decisive goals.
'Jorgi is super important, and he has sacrificed himself for us in recent weeks,' Tuchel added, noting the midfielder's hip and back problems. 'He makes a sacrifice and gives his very best every day.'
