Real Madrid News
Rudiger talks Pepe, Barcelona, Ancelotti, El Clasico on his Real Madrid presentation
Real Madrid unveiled their new star defender on Monday as Antonio Rudiger donned the prestigious white jersey for the first time. During his presentation, the German international spoke extensively about his move to Spain.
He began his address by thanking his parents and the club, amongst others.
“I want to thank Florentino Perez and the club for giving me the chance to play here. I’ll give my everything to win many trophies. Hala Madrid!”
“At Real Madrid, the most important thing is to win and they have shown it in recent years. Being able to play for a club like this (Real Madrid) is unbelievable,” he added.
When asked what he would add to Los Blancos’ already star-studded squad, he said,
“It is normal for Real Madrid to have great players but I’m confident in myself. I will bring competitiveness.”
The Madrid-based club had been pursuing Rudiger’s signature for several months before the official announcement.
“Real Madrid’s first contacts with my agent were in September but I spoke with Ancelotti in April and then I made my choice,” Rudiger said.
A player’s influence on the team is not only on the field but also off it. Rudiger revealed that he possessed polarising personalities in both instances.
“Outside the pitch, I like to laugh and dance but on the pitch, I’m very serious.”
Pepe was Real Madrid’s standout centre-back for ten years from 2007 to 2017. Los Blancos’ new revealed named the Portuguese internal when asked who his favourite player was.
“If I had to choose a reference for defending, it would be Pepe.”
During his presentation on Monday, it was revealed that the centre-back would don the #22 on his jersey.
Rudiger explained why he did not take his #2, which he wore at Chelsea, saying, “I like number 2 but it’s Carvajal’s. But I didn’t think about it too much, I like the number 22.”
The race for the defender’s signing was between Barcelona and Real Madrid for a long time. Yet, he said that he did not even consider joining the Blaugranas at any stage.
“Barça were interested in me but I told my brother it’s Real Madrid or nothing.”
Real Madrid takes on Barcelona in pre-season this year. Rudiger shared his thoughts on an El Clasico debut and said,
“My El Clasico debut? Even though it’s pre-season, we want to win. I’m very excited.”
“14 Champions Leagues is something impressive. It teaches you what this club is all about, which is winning,” Rudiger continued on the topic of ‘winning’.
Finally, he closed the interview by saying that he knew about his transfer to Real Madrid well before the UCL final and added that he cheered for his new club.
“When the Champions League final was played I already knew I was going to join Madrid and I was cheering for them. I loved that they won.”
Source: Real Madrid Twitter
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid retain total confidence in Carlo Ancelotti despite derby disaster – report
Sunday night was a disappointing one for Real Madrid as they succumbed to a 3-1 defeat to arch-rivals Atletico Madrid in the Madrid derby at the Civitas Metropolitano.
The Merengues suffered their first defeat of the 2023/24 season as former striker Alvaro Morata scored a brace for the Rojiblancos while Antoine Griezmann was also on target.
Real Madrid might be feeling aggrieved by some of the calls made by the referee on the night but they were just not good enough to secure all three points at the Metropolitano.
Real Madrid retain full confidence in Ancelotti
Despite the disappointing performance and outcome, Real Madrid retain their full and total confidence in manager Carlo Ancelotti, reports Jose Felix Diaz (via RM4Arab).
There had been question marks about the team selection made by the manager for the derby against Atletico Madrid.
After all, the Italian opted to bench Joselu from the starting XI to bring in Luka Modric and shift the tactics.
Aurelien Tchouameni was also left out despite being one of the team’s strongest performers this season with Toni Kroos being preferred.
The Real Madrid hierarchy wishes for the manager to trust the next-gen midfield for the big games but Ancelotti’s selection indicated that he is still not ready to do so.
Despite there being some differences, the board retains full confidence in Ancelotti.
Ancelotti accepts blame for defeat
It was a disappointing performance from Real Madrid in their biggest test of the 2023/24 season so far and speaking after the match, manager Ancelotti accepted the blame for the outcome.
“Maybe I could have done it better. It’s pretty clear. When the team doesn’t do what it has to do, it’s my responsibility. It’s my fault,” Ancelotti said.
With the game done and dusted, Real Madrid now turn their focus towards producing a strong comeback when they face Las Palmas later this week.
