Real Madrid News
Germany boss delivers encouraging update on Real Madrid veteran’s fitness: ‘His knee isn’t bothering him’
Antonio Rudiger is set to make his first World Cup start after Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the Real Madrid defender is ready to lead the backline following Nico Schlotterbeck’s injury.
Germany have already secured top spot in their World Cup group, nad yet, Nagelsmann has decided to hand Rudiger an important opportunity to build rhythm ahead of the knockout rounds.
The experienced centre-back has endured an injury-disrupted campaign with Real Madrid, making every minute on the pitch increasingly valuable as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
Rudiger to be given major opportunity
Germany began the World Cup with Jonathan Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck as their preferred central defensive pairing, leaving Rudiger among the substitutes despite his experience at the highest level.
However, Schlotterbeck’s injury has forced Nagelsmann into reshuffling his defence, opening the door for the Real Madrid star to reclaim his place in the starting lineup.
Speaking ahead of Germany’s final group-stage fixture against Ecuador, the national team coach expressed complete confidence in Rudiger’s physical condition.
“His knee isn’t bothering him at all, he feels great physically and I think he played very well when he came on. I expect the same tomorrow,” said Nagelsmann, as per Mundo Deportivo.
The comments will be encouraging for both Germany and Real Madrid, particularly after Rudiger spent much of the season managing recurring fitness concerns.
Nagelsmann pleased with Rudiger’s recovery
Although Germany have already guaranteed first place in their group, Nagelsmann believes there is still plenty to gain from giving Rudiger another full match before the knockout rounds begin.
The manager explained that the defender has steadily improved every time he has stepped onto the pitch during the tournament.
“He has made great progress in terms of what we expected of him. He has made a contribution whenever he’s come on and, as I say, he’s in great physical shape,” he insisted.
With Germany expected to rotate parts of their squad, Rudiger’s inclusion will be a win-win situation not just of the national team but also for the defender as well as Real Madrid.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
