Antonio Rudiger acknowledges his intense playing style but has disputed his image as a problematic player.
The Real Madrid and Germany defender anticipates a crucial period, as his club team continues its pursuit of a La Liga and Champions League double, prior to him shifting his focus to the World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
At 33 years old, Rudiger admits to instances where he has shown a lack of composure – he was handed a six-game suspension for his behavior during last season’s Copa del Rey final loss against Barcelona, and more recently, garnered significant media attention this month for an overzealous foul on Getafe’s Diego Rico.
He states that he is responsive to the scrutiny and recognizes his obligation to maintain his composure.
Speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper, he remarked: “Naturally, I understand. When, as an international player, you face such intense scrutiny, it prompts introspection. If the disapproval is presented thoughtfully and impartially, I certainly consider it earnestly, as I personally acknowledge moments where I clearly exceeded acceptable boundaries.
“That also motivates me to strive for greater concentration. My aim is not to be a source of issues, but rather to offer reliability and assurance. I bear a responsibility and recognize that at certain junctures, I have not been adequate for the role.”
My aggressive style propelled me to Real Madrid – Rudiger
While cognizant of his shortcomings, he also asserts that his assertiveness is a fundamental aspect of his play, stating: “Being an unyielding defender is part of my inherent nature. To excel as an expert in individual duels at this caliber, one cannot be an amiable partner. You must communicate to the striker: ‘Prepare for an unpleasant experience today.’ It’s fundamentally an issue of psychological approach.
“Should I omit that fervor, that commitment, that pushing boundaries, I would be significantly diminished. That competitive spirit is precisely what secured my place at Real Madrid. In Madrid, they appreciate and commend exactly that. Lacking it, I would not be here; I would not have claimed the Champions League trophy twice, nor would I have represented my nation in so many matches.
“That is the aspect often misunderstood: I operate with intensity, yet I am unquestionably not a detriment to my teams. I am acutely aware of the current match time and the implications involved. Nine years without a dismissal on the pitch is not by chance – my last one occurred in 2017, while still at Roma. Furthermore, my yellow card count is significantly fewer than commonly perceived. Over recent years, I have recorded approximately five per league season.”
Rudiger is currently in peak physical condition, having completed the full match duration in both legs of the Champions League round-of-16 triumph over Manchester City and the weekend conquest of Atletico Madrid in La Liga.
“I feel excellent, and I am reassured that my therapies are proving effective,” he stated. “From virtually August-September 2024, there was a persistent issue. Now I can finally participate in full matches once more without experiencing any bodily unease. Last season, I could only play – and even train – if I relied on analgesics. In January of this year, I experienced a relapse, and then I knew: a break is necessary, particularly with the World Cup in mind. But now, indeed, I am fully restored.”
Rudiger desires Germany to enhance their psychological outlook
Germany will journey across the ocean as one of the underdogs to claim the World Cup. Rudiger believes they possess the talent but must cultivate a more robust mindset.
“We must revert to being a team that is exceptionally challenging to contend with,” he commented. “We possess abundant skill and technical prowess; this is widely acknowledged. However, talent is not solely sufficient for World Cup victories. We must regain that mindset – constructively.
“We must be formidable an adversary that the opponent lacks the inclination to emerge from the tunnel. If we push our psychological boundaries and each individual is prepared to undertake arduous tasks for their teammates, then we will be exceptionally formidable to overcome.”
Germany were allocated to Group E, comprising Curacao, Ecuador, and the Ivory Coast.