Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran finally addresses controversial Getafe incident: ‘Not going to argue, but I didn’t kill him’
Antonio Rudiger has finally addressed the controversial moment that sparked widespread debate earlier this month.
Speaking before the second leg of the Round of 16 clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, the German defender stepped forward for the media duties.
Naturally, the press used the opportunity to ask about more than just the upcoming match.
One of the main topics raised was the heated incident involving Diego Rico during the fixture against Getafe.
What’s the story?
The moment, which saw Rudiger make contact with Rico using his knee, had led to significant criticism, with many arguing the Real Madrid defender was fortunate to avoid a red card.
With the spotlight on him, Rudiger chose not to shy away from the discussion and instead offered his side of the story.
“Everyone saw the footage, and it was terrible, but if you look at the play itself, I’m not going to argue, but I didn’t kill him,” he stated.
Continuing to address the matter directly, Rudiger made it clear that there was no malicious intent behind his actions and that his style of play, while aggressive, has clear boundaries.
The defender suggested he was aware of the backlash, but he was also keen to clarify that the situation had been exaggerated beyond its actual severity.
“I don’t think we should exaggerate the contact. If I’d meant to do it, he wouldn’t have gotten back up. It was never my intention to hurt him.
“I like to play hard, but I have my limits that I don’t cross, so I think the comments are a bit overblown, but we shouldn’t dwell on this because everyone saw it,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, he also addressed his contractual situation with Real Madrid, stating,
“For me, the most important thing is that I feel healthy, and right now I feel good.
“Yes, I’m sure everything else will sort itself out; it’s not the time to talk about it.”
Source: Mundo Deportivo
In a major update, AS reports that former Real Madrid midfielder and club legend Toni Kroos has taken his first step towards starting his coaching career.
The former Germany international has told the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) that he is interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers.
Real Madrid tried to bring Kroos back
It is no secret that Real Madrid considered bringing Toni Kroos back into the club’s structure after the end of the last season.
The club president, Florentino Perez, had wanted Kroos to have a daily presence at Valdebebas rather than making occasional appearances after his retirement.
Jose Angel Sanchez and Kroos spoke after Perez expressed his desire to see the German working at Valdebebas every day. However, they did not find the right moment, time or structure to give his return a clear form.
A comeback remains one of the possibilities most desired by Madrid supporters because of Kroos’ charisma and what he represents at the Santiago Bernabeu. Neither side wanted him to return simply for the sake of it, so the door remains open for the future.
The relationship between the two parties is excellent, and both know that the opportunity to work together again will eventually come.
Taking it step by step
For now, Kroos continues to run the academy he established in Boadilla, enjoying the opportunity to help develop younger players.
After two years away from the competitive side of football, however, he is beginning to look towards the dugout as a possible next step in his career.
Kroos currently holds coaching qualifications that allow him to work up to the third tier of Spanish football.
This is possible because professionals with at least seven years of proven experience and significant involvement at the elite level can gain direct access to accelerated coaching courses.
That means Kroos could coach a team in Primera Federacion, but the German wants to take things gradually.
Kroos has already informed the RFEF that he would be interested in joining the coaching course reserved for professional footballers during the 2027/28 season.
The course taking place this season is not available to elite former players, with UEFA limiting each campaign to 20 places.
With his current qualifications, Kroos could work as an assistant coach, but he cannot yet take charge as a head coach in either the top flight or the Segunda División.
But completing that programme would allow Kroos to obtain the UEFA A licence, which would enable him to coach teams at any level.
