The Blues recorded a first win under Tuchel on Sunday, defeating Burnley 2-0 at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.

That win came off the back of a goalless home draw with Wolves in the German’s first Chelsea game in charge, with Rudiger revealing how Tuchel instructed his side to play with more intensity against the Clarets, and the defender feels the new boss has made a strong early impression on the squad.

‘He’s only been here for a few days, maybe a week and of course it will take time to adapt to his game and his way of playing,’ explained Rudiger.

‘It’s been good so far and I think with the win on Sunday, we are showing positive steps. I think we showed in the second half that we played with a lot more intensity and that is what we’ve been working on in training with the new coach.’

Two clean sheets in the bank already this week has pleased Rudiger, who has returned to the starting line-up in recent times after finding himself somewhat on the periphery in the early months of the season.

In fact, the German defender has now helped the Blues to three clean sheets in our last four Premier League fixtures and has explained that remaining patient, working hard in training and giving 100 per cent when offered an opportunity it what has led him to this point.

‘Since the beginning of the season, my target has always been to start games and to try and help the team,’ added Toni.

‘Even when I was out of the side, I always said I wanted to fight my way back into the team and I’ve managed to do that recently.

‘I’ve started the last four games and we’ve kept three clean sheets, so as a defender that is always pleasing.

‘As a player, I’m very committed and I’m not the sort of guy to give up. Any chance I get to be on the pitch, I will always give it 100 per cent.’

With Tuchel making a strong start to life in charge, and plenty of football still to be played this season, Rudiger feels there is plenty of reason for optimism at Stamford Bridge as we head into Thursday’s trip to Tottenham looking for another Premier League victory.

‘We’re a few points away from the Champions League spots and there’s still a lot of games to play this season,’ remarked Rudiger. ‘I think it’s down to us now and we just need to focus on each game as it comes.’