Cesar Azpilicueta denies clashing with Chelsea teammate Antonio Rudiger

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has denied rumours that he clashed with teammate Antonio Rudiger in training.

Reports emerged in the wake of Frank Lampard's sacking earlier this week claiming that the pair had come to blows behind the scenes.

However, after both players started as part of a back three in new boss Thomas Tuchel's first game in charge, long-serving defender Azpilicueta has insisted that he has no issues with Rudiger.

"With Toni, we didn't have an issue and we have been working together for a few years," he said. "That news from outside, we're not sure so that's why Tammy [Abraham] and myself we both tweeted.

"Everything is fine and I can say that didn't happen. We didn't have any issues and we don't have. We always work together. As other players, we have sometimes our discussions, normal in football.

"When results are not going well, everybody has more tension around but nothing further than this.

"Normal footballers like normal workers in their offices or with other jobs with pressure who have to deliver and nothing further than this. There is not an issue, we are so committed."

Azpilicueta has featured 17 times in all competitions for Chelsea this season, while Rudiger has been used 10 times.

Tuchel's opening game in the Stamford Bridge dugout finished as a 0-0 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers.