Real Madrid News
Rudiger talks Benzema, Vinicius, Kroos, Werner ahead of RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid
The last time Antonio Rudiger stepped out for Real Madrid on a Champions League night, he put up a warrior’s display and scored an extraordinary last-minute equaliser to give his side one point against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Tomorrow, he will be in action in his homeland, Germany, as Los Merengues prepare to take on RB Leipzig.
The German international is expected to start in central defence on the night and will look to put up another no-nonsense performance. A win or a draw on the night secures Real Madrid the top spot in their group, and that will be the objective tomorrow.
Here are the snippets from Rudiger’s interaction with the press ahead of the anticipated clash in Germany.
On his commitment: “I will always give 100% at this club.”
On the opponents: “I feel good. Tomorrow we have a very strong opponent, with very fast players and a very strong striker like Werner.”
On his adaptation at his new club: “I am amazed at how quickly I have adapted at Real Madrid, big thanks to Kroos and Alaba.”
On the Ballon d’Or: “Benzema deserved the Ballon d’Or, and I’m proud to be in the top 30 too.”
On Real Madrid’s start to the season: “I’m happy with my performance so far, there’s a World Cup coming up, but we have a good team and I’m happy to be part of this club.”
On his injury: “I feel very good. Head hurt? I’ve never been a good-looking guy before (laughs), but I’m always ready to give everything I have for the team.”
On Vinicius Jr: “Vinicius is like a younger brother to me, he helps me with my Spanish, we understand each other very well. Vinicius is an excellent player, and I hope one day he will win the Ballon d’Or.”
On Toni Kroos’ future: “He’s a living legend at Real Madrid, everyone at the club respects him – he enjoys playing football, he’s always happy, that’s his decision when he retires. Germany will miss him at the World Cup.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
Arda Guler’s Real Madrid stint has not gotten off to the start he would have hoped to have given the expectation that preceded the transfer.
Having joined in the summer after Real Madrid outbid their competition to win him over from Fenerbahce for a 20-million-euro fee, buzz was high as the winger was expected to slot into the team quite seamlessly, albeit on a rotational basis.
Unfortunately for the 18-year-old, he has been constantly marred by injuries since completing the move.
Reports have stated that after Guler picked up his third injury since his move, Real Madrid have been concerned and want to take things slow with the player to ensure he is fit as soon as possible after an injury to his quadriceps this time.
The Turk is yet to make his competitive debut for the club, and Real Madrid even sacked their medical chief in November, in light of their injury crises since the beginning of the season.
No loan deal for Guler
However, according to Fabrizio Romano in a recent YouTube video, he states that Madrid maintain full trust and patience in the youngster.
Despite his bad luck with injuries, the latest of which he is scheduled to return from after Christmas, the Galacticos have no intention of loaning out Guler to Turkish clubs despite lots of speculation of them doing so of late.
Romano states that Madrid remain firm on not shaking things up too much with the squad, and they want to keep their roster stable, including Arda Guler.
They want to extend their full support and protection to the player as he aims to return to full fitness and finally make his bow for Madrid either by the end of this month or in 2024.
