Real Madrid star defender Antonio Rudiger has discussed the pressures of playing at such a prestigious team.
Rudiger joined the Spanish club on a free transfer last summer when his contract with Chelsea expired. Since then, the German has made 43 appearances for the club in various competitions. Rudiger, on the other hand, has yet to establish himself as one of the team’s clear starters. He has also received criticism for his less-than-world-class performances.
What did Antonio Rudiger say?
Rudiger recently acknowledged the criticism leveled against him throughout this season. Even club icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema, he asserted, had to go through a time where not everyone was swayed. As a result, he is relishing the task of satisfying the fans. According to Rudiger (via Madrid Xtra):
“Dealing with pressure at Real Madrid? For me, it’s very simple. Cristiano got criticized here, Benzema got criticized here, Modrić, all of them. Who am I to not get criticized?”
• “How do you deal with the pressure at Real Madrid?”
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) April 22, 2023
• Rüdiger: “For me, it’s very simple. Because Cristiano got criticized here, Benzema got criticized here, Luka Modrić, all of them. Who am I to not get criticized?” pic.twitter.com/u8pn1F6Jcg
Under Thomas Tuchel, the 30-year-old was a major player in Chelsea’s backline, producing a couple of masterclass displays as the Blues proceeded to two domestic cup finals. He was also a crucial part of the 2021 UCL winning Chelsea squad. He also faced them when Madrid beat them 3-0 aggregate in the UCL quarter finals.
Rudiger, a Chelsea fan favorite, has revealed that he occasionally made blunders on purpose to stir up the “quiet” crowd. However, he will be sure to avoid those from now on. Real Madrid fans are known to be some of the harshest fans. They have booed and whistled their best players including Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema.
Rudiger at Real Madrid
Rudiger played in Real Madrid’s starting lineup against Celta Vigo on April 22. Los Blancos defeated Real Madrid 2-0 at home in La Liga. Carlo Ancelotti’s team was ahead thanks to goals by Marco Asensio and Eder Militao.
Real Madrid’s chances of winning La Liga this season are hampered by their eleven-point deficit to league leaders Barcelona, despite having defeated them 4-0 a few days back.
On the other hand, the Royal Whites are still competing in the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League. They will face Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final and Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals. If they manage to win both of these competitions, it would be another successful season for the Los Blancos.
Real Madrid faces Girona in Laliga tomorrow. They will hope to win a third consecutive La Liga game to get back in form.
