Rüdiger: 'It's a privilege to play in the Champions League at the Bernabéu'
'Leipzig have got excellent players, they play with a lot of pace and intensity', said the German.
Rüdiger answered questions from the media at the press conference prior to the Champions League group stage match against Leipzig Wednesday 9pm CEST. The defender said: 'I hope I play. It's a privilege and an absolute pleasure to be able to play in the Champions League at the Bernabéu. There are some nerves, but the prevailing feeling is the excitement of playing. Leipzig have excellent players, have a lot of pace and play with intensity'.
'I like to get forward and that's part of my identity. I like to score and throughout the season I look to score as many goals as I can. I scored five goals last year and this year I'd like to get more'.
Vini Jr.
'He likes to dribble and it's understandable that some opponents who want to hurt him. You have to try to counter that. That's one of his biggest strengths and we have to try to limit him in that sense. You have to respect the opposition who is trying to do their job so that the team can win'.
'I don't have to talk about his attributes, he's a great player and everyone is aware of that. He's calm in the dressing room and when he's out on the field he tries to do everything he can. You feel more relaxed when you know that you can count on him'.
Communication with his teammates
'Communication on the pitch with other players is very important for me. Firstly, before the game and also during the game. It comes naturally to me and I have done it throughout my career. I speak Spanish on the pitch and I think everyone understands me at the moment'.
Scared forward
'I don't know what to say. I'm not sure if I scare anyone. I like to be aggressive but fair. My stats say that, I've not got a single red in the last five years. I play hard, it's in my nature'.
'I like to get forward and that's part of my identity. I like to score and throughout the season I look to score as many goals as I can. I scored five goals last year and this year I'd like to get more'.
Vini Jr.
'He likes to dribble and it's understandable that some opponents who want to hurt him. You have to try to counter that. That's one of his biggest strengths and we have to try to limit him in that sense. You have to respect the opposition who is trying to do their job so that the team can win'.
'I don't have to talk about his attributes, he's a great player and everyone is aware of that. He's calm in the dressing room and when he's out on the field he tries to do everything he can. You feel more relaxed when you know that you can count on him'.
Communication with his teammates
'Communication on the pitch with other players is very important for me. Firstly, before the game and also during the game. It comes naturally to me and I have done it throughout my career. I speak Spanish on the pitch and I think everyone understands me at the moment'.
Scared forward
'I don't know what to say. I'm not sure if I scare anyone. I like to be aggressive but fair. My stats say that, I've not got a single red in the last five years. I play hard, it's in my nature'.
'Age brings more experience and maturity. Everyone makes mistakes and when you're young you have to allow yourself to make them. Now I'm playing in a new league, where I'm trying to learn as much as I can. I now know how to handle things better and I take it everything in my stride'.
Partnership with Alaba
'I don't decide who I play with, that's not my job. When I've played with him, from a language point of view, it's hasn't been a problem. We're in Spain and I have to speak Spanish, I've still got a long way to go, but I also know Italian so that makes it easier for me'.
Up against Werner
'I've known Timo for a long time, we've played together in other teams and I enjoy seeing him on the pitch. He'll be my opponent this time and I'll do all I can to help my team win'.
Nkunku
'He's a good player and he's young, he's been the best player in the team this season. He's been coming on well'.
Scoring for Madrid
'It's a great feeling to score for Madrid. The crowd is great. We're aware that Leipzig have got excellent players, they're good going forward, they've got a lot of pace and they play with a lot of intensity. If I get the chance to play, I hope that I get that scoring feeling again. But right now I'm focused on doing well'.
Atmosphere in the dressing room
'They're normal people. When you look at a player of Real Madrid from the outside, you imagine what it'd be like to be there, it might be difficult. But the truth is that I've settled in easier than ever. They're all very polite, respectful and I've got nothing but good words for them'.
Partnership with Alaba
'I don't decide who I play with, that's not my job. When I've played with him, from a language point of view, it's hasn't been a problem. We're in Spain and I have to speak Spanish, I've still got a long way to go, but I also know Italian so that makes it easier for me'.
Up against Werner
'I've known Timo for a long time, we've played together in other teams and I enjoy seeing him on the pitch. He'll be my opponent this time and I'll do all I can to help my team win'.
Nkunku
'He's a good player and he's young, he's been the best player in the team this season. He's been coming on well'.
Scoring for Madrid
'It's a great feeling to score for Madrid. The crowd is great. We're aware that Leipzig have got excellent players, they're good going forward, they've got a lot of pace and they play with a lot of intensity. If I get the chance to play, I hope that I get that scoring feeling again. But right now I'm focused on doing well'.
Atmosphere in the dressing room
'They're normal people. When you look at a player of Real Madrid from the outside, you imagine what it'd be like to be there, it might be difficult. But the truth is that I've settled in easier than ever. They're all very polite, respectful and I've got nothing but good words for them'.