Antonio Rudiger stepped into the spotlight alongside Carlo Ancelotti this Tuesday, as Real Madrid prepared to host Liverpool at the Santiago Bernabéu. The fixture marked the return leg of a Champions League round of 16 tie, with Madrid carrying a comfortable aggregate advantage after the 5-2 win in the first leg at Anfield.
Rudiger’s reflections
Facing champions at the Bernabéu is always a test, and Rudiger was candid about his early experiences in the stadium. He recalled last season’s intense atmosphere and explained that the environment was unlike anything he had experienced before, expressing his eagerness to feel that energy again now as a Real Madrid player.
Reflecting on his previous season’s tie with Chelsea, Rudiger described the Bernabéu as a venue that leaves a lasting impression. He spoke of feeling honored to be part of Real Madrid and learning from teammates like Karim Benzema and Luka Modrić, underscoring how such encounters have shaped his perspective of the club.
He acknowledged the challenges of playing for Real Madrid, noting the club’s storied history, the caliber of its players, and the high expectations that come with donning the shirt. The veteran defender emphasized the pressure that accompanies Madrid but framed it as a motivating force rather than a deterrent.
On Vinicius Jr., Rudiger offered a measured assessment. He believed Vinicius stands at a crossroads, capable of world-class moments when his approach is correct, yet vulnerable to provocation that can derail his performance. He urged referees to apply consistent standards, treating Vinicius and every player with equal fairness.
When addressing the game plan, Rudiger stressed the necessity of staying awake from the opening whistle. The team would not simply defend a lead; the aim was to win, energizing the fan base and boosting the squad’s collective confidence.
Rudiger also spoke about the broader Real Madrid experience, noting how everything within the club feels larger—from the trophy room to day-to-day interactions with teammates and staff. He highlighted the importance of building connections and adapting to life at a club with such a rich tradition.
Regarding Real Madrid’s counter-attacking strengths, he acknowledged that Madrid is formidable in transition and that opponents must respect the club’s ability to strike quickly. He described Liverpool as a formidable rival, citing the team’s recent performances, including a high-scoring display against Manchester United, and emphasized the need for caution in both defense and attacking transitions.
He acknowledged the ongoing scrutiny of the team and stated there is room for improvement. The emphasis was clear: learning from criticism is a part of the process and one more reason to push forward with ambition on the night.
In summarizing the strategic mood, Rudiger pointed to the importance of maintaining focus and leveraging Madrid’s strengths to secure a favorable result. The conversation underscored a mindset of resilience, intent on showcasing Madrid’s quality in front of a home crowd and advancing further in Europe (Goal).
Real Madrid’s access to press content for the 2022-2023 season
Real Madrid’s press conferences from the season were widely available for fans to watch. The Real Madrid channel could be accessed through digital terrestrial television, with additional platforms like Movistar, Orange TV, and Vodafone TV offering coverage. The club has also provided official content on its website and social channels, ensuring supporters around the world can stay informed and engaged with the team’s developments (Goal).
Which post did you like the most?
Responses to this poll reflected a mix of opinions across the fan base, highlighting a range of nostalgic and contemporary club associations.
- Real Betty
- sao paulo
- cremonese
- Ajax
- Burnley
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Which post did you like the most?
- 52%Real Betty
- eleven%sao paulo
- 5%cremonese
- 25%Ajax
- 7%Burnley
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Note: This content reflects reported remarks and polling activity surrounding the Real Madrid–Liverpool tie. All quotes are attributed to the event participants and related coverage, with attribution to the original reporting source.