Antonio Conte AXES Antonio Rudiger from Chelsea squad after defender criticised his tactics in West Ham draw

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger criticized Conte's tactical approaches to games. [Photo: Courtesy]

Antonio Conte dropped defender Antonio Rudiger after the German hit out at his tactics in the 1-1 draw with West Ham last weekend.

Rudiger was nowhere to be seen in the Chelsea squad for their game at St Mary's with Southampton on Saturday.

The 25-year-old has been a consistent starter this season and was one of the better performers in the London derby stalemate.

But after that game, Rudiger appeared to criticise the Italian's tactics saying he doesn't understand why the Blues allow the opponent to get more of the ball.

"For me, it’s not easy to explain. I don’t understand why after 1-0 we always drop and let the opponent get more ball possession.

"Definitely. Like the last weeks again, we give them a gift. I think that was the first chance they have."

Before the Southampton game, Conte confirmed that his side had a clean bill of health, with only David Luiz missing through a long term injury.