Real Madrid News
Real Madrid veteran wants to stay put despite Saudi Arabia offers
Antonio Rudiger has been undisputedly one of Real Madrid’s most important player ever since he joined the club from Chelsea.
In just three years, the German international has featured in over 150 competitive matches for Los Blancos.
However, at 32, it is apparent that Real Madrid are preparing for life without Rudiger, having notably roped in Dean Huijsen in the summer.
Rudiger has rejected offers from Saudi Arabia
With his contract expiring in 2026, Rudiger appears to have already attracted the interest of Saudi Arabia.
According to AS, the German has received several offers from Saudi Arabia, akin to what other top European players are getting.
However, Rudiger has no desire to leave Real Madrid this summer, at the very least. The report suggests the defender has already knocked back those offers.
Rudiger’s desire is to remain at Real Madrid and continue playing a leadership role at the back for Los Blancos.
With Huijsen and Raul Asencio still in the early phases of their respective careers, Rudiger’s presence could be important for Real Madrid next season.
However, it won’t be surprising to see Xabi Alonso try to reduce the reliance on the veteran defender, who has also had issues with injuries and fitness over the past couple of years.
For now, Rudiger will be focusing on Real Madrid’s upcoming FIFA Club World Cup game against RB Salzburg. The former Chelsea star is poised to start in the absence of the suspended Raul Asencio.
Rudiger, meanwhile, was also involved in an incident with Pachuca’s Cabral, who had allegedly directed racist chants at him, during the final embers of the game.
FIFA has rightly opened disciplinary proceedings after the alleged incident.
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.
