Rüdiger: "I have worked hard to be in good shape these months and to help the team"

Antonio Rüdiger appeared in the press room of the Etihad Stadium the day before the match against Manchester City, in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 (9:00 pm CEST; Orange TV and Movistar Liga de Campeones). The defender said: "I have been in many matches like this. I won the Champions League with Madrid and you work for these games and these moments. We have played against City many times in recent years. They are one of the best teams in Europe. It is a pleasure to play against them and, normally, if you want to win the Champions League, you have to play against City."

Physical condition
“I have had some issues, but that is in the past. I think if you see my recent matches, I am working well, playing well, and I feel good. I am in good shape at this stage of the season. I have worked hard to be in good shape over these months and to help the team and be useful.”

Haaland
“I don’t think much about these statistics; I don’t give them importance. In the group stage match, he won the battle. Players like Haaland are tough, and it is also a pleasure to face them. I really enjoy that physical battle. I also think that Dean Huijsen played a great game. It’s not just me in this defense, and I am very motivated for this match. I have faced Haaland many times already. He is a world-class player, very strong. It’s fantastic when you face players like him. Plus, he seems like a good guy.”

Contract renewal
“For me, the most important thing is being healthy. I feel good, as I said before. As for the rest, I am sure we will reach an agreement. Right now, there’s no need to think about that. I feel very good here. I feel the respect from the people, and I appreciate it a lot. But, as I just said, sometimes you don’t just think about the emotional side. I also have to think that I feel good, I am in good shape, and I have a job to do. And I love it. I am in love with Real Madrid.”

The incident against Getafe
“I have seen the images in slow motion, and it looks terrible, I won’t deny that. But if you see the play itself, I won’t argue with him. I didn’t kill him. I don’t think the contact should be exaggerated because, if I had any intention, I would have injured him. I know I went in hard, and we talked after the game. Sometimes, if you freeze an image, it doesn’t tell the whole story. And it wasn’t a red card; I wasn’t sent off. It was never my intention to hurt him. I like to play hard, but I have my limits, and I don’t cross them. That’s why I think those statements are a bit exaggerated, but we should try not to dwell on this or grab headlines. I think we need to maintain our positions.”

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His importance as a veteran player
“I think I have an important role because we play with many young players. Some are newcomers, and others have been here longer. Our job is to help them. It’s my job to make them better players and also take on part of that responsibility. But young players also have to accept their role when they start because they are not Ramos or Maldini when they begin playing. I think it’s a job on my part and also on theirs.”

The emergence of academy players
“As a veteran, you have to take on that responsibility and relieve pressure on the younger players. My role is like that, and if you look at the young players, they are doing very well. Look at those coming in, like Thiago. There are many, and they are doing a great job. The coach knows them well, and hats off to him for giving them that confidence.”

The team’s mentality
“You don’t just need that mentality tomorrow; it’s always. That’s how it is. As I said before, we win together, or we all lose. We have to make the right choices.”

Taking the decisive penalty again
“Hopefully, it doesn’t come to that, but I am ready. I took responsibility. If I have to, of course, I would take it again, no problem.”

Disclaimer: Translation generated by artificial intelligence. It may contain inaccuracies.