Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger has already spoken about the playing style of Carlo Ancelotti ahead of his proposed summer switch to Real Madrid as a free agent this summer.
The German central defender season, arguably Chelsea's player of the season, is among a number of high-profile names whose contracts are due to run out at the end of the season. Following the Blues' 1-0 win over London rivals West Ham on Sunday, which Rudiger missed due to groin and hamstring issues, Thomas Tuchel confirmed that the player would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Tuchel told reporters after the late victory over the Hammers: "Toni, the media is on it - his situation is that he wants to leave the club. He informed me of this in a private talk. We gave everything - me and the club - but we could not fight anymore because of the sanctions.
"Without the sanctions, we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied. We don't take it personally. It is his decision...he is a key figure and will stay that way until the end of the season. But it is disappointing. We will miss him a lot. He gives courage in the dressing room. The kind everyone is afraid of, but the kind to play 50-55 games at an outstanding level. He is a top defender in the last one and a half years for me. We then need to find another solution."
There are likely to be several defensive departures from the Blues this summer with Andreas Christensen believed to have agreed a switch to Barcelona as a free agent and the future of Cesar Azpiliceuta also uncertain. Rudiger is now tipped to make the switch to the Spanish capital.
The German international spoke of his potential new boss Ancelotti just over a year ago, when the Italian was preparing his side to face Chelsea. It appears that the two are likely to work together in Madrid next season for the first time.
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Rudiger told chelseafc.com: "I will expect exactly the same sort of intensive game again because Everton are also a good team. They are on a good run at the moment and are in good form, but we are too. It will be an exciting game and we are up for it. It's a tough game and they are also a competitor for the top four."
Ancelotti has enjoyed a successful season back at Real Madrid having been appointed from Everton last summer. His side need just one victory from the final five league fixtures to win the league title – which would make Ancelotti the first coach to win a top-flight title in Spain, Italy, England, Germany and France. Madrid are also still in the Champions League semi-finals, having defeated Chelsea in the previous week.
