Rudiger’s press conference in the preview of Real Madrid vs. Liverpool of the 2022-2023 Champions League

Antonio Rudiger He will be the player who appeared alongside Carlo Ancelotti this Tuesday for Real Madrid’s match against Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabéu. The Madrid team face this second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 with an advantage after the 2-5 first leg at Anfield.

Rudiger’s statements

Play champions at the Bernabéu. “Last year it was very difficult for me to play here at the Bernabéu because of the result. I had never experienced anything like it before, the atmosphere was fantastic. I’m looking forward to experiencing that environment as a Real Madrid footballer.”

Last season’s draw with Chelsea. “When we played against Real Madrid last year, we felt that the Santiago Bernabéu is something different. For me it’s an honor to be a part of this and to have learned from players like Karim Benzema, Luka Modric…”.

Playing for Real Madrid is difficult. “To be honest, it’s obviously not easy to play here at Real Madrid. They have a great history, great players, a lot of pressure…”.

Vinicius. “I think he goes 50-50 and he needs to focus on the way he plays because when he does he’s one of the best, but it’s also difficult when you get kicked and provoked so much. He’s young, he is still in the process of learning. I think the referees also have to try harder with regard to him, they have to treat him like everyone else. Neither better nor worse, treat everyone the same”.

The way to face the game. “We can’t sleep against Liverpool. We’ve already seen what happened to us in the first leg at Anfield.”

The key. Not falling asleep in the first few minutes is very important, it is very important to us. We don’t just have to defend the result. We need to win for the fans and for our confidence as a team.”

Real Madrid experience. “Lots of new things here at Real Madrid. Everything is much bigger. The trophy room, when you see it for the first time… is a big thing. But I’ve also met a lot of really good people.”

The comebacks and the talks for the confrontation with Real Madrid. “Everyone knows that Real Madrid are very good on the counter-attack. When you play against Real Madrid, you play against the best. That is something that goes above everything else.”

Liverpool. “They are a big rival, they recently scored seven against Manchester United. Obviously we have to be careful with them.”

defensive aspect. “There are criticisms, but we don’t have a problem with that. We have to improve, that’s clear.”