SportsTalk April 27th Real Madrid central defender Rudiger accepted an exclusive interview with Sky Sports Germany. He talked about the game against Manchester City, his views on Haaland, and looked forward to the Champions League semi-finals with Bayern. finals.
Talk about the team’s performance in the past week (reaching the Champions League semi-finals, winning the El Clasico)
“These wins are very, very important, especially the game against Manchester City, you know what the Champions League means to us. The El Clasico victory is the most important, leading the league by 11 points. Very, very good”
About to win the league championship for the first time in his career
“It means a lot to me, I won a lot of championships in the international arena, but not the league championship. I am very happy that we have a good season and everything is going well.”
Scored the decisive penalty in the penalty shootout against Manchester City
“Some people didn’t want to take penalties, but I was ready. We practiced penalty kicks two days before the game and I was very confident. I made three of three free throws. That’s why I said to myself: I feel good. , I was able to take penalties. At the beginning, I was not among the top five penalty players, and then the situation changed and I was allowed to take penalties. At that moment, it is not the technique, but your ability. I feel good.”
From the team’s third central defender to the leader of Real Madrid’s defense
“The first season will be difficult for me because the team won La Liga and the Champions League the previous season, so it will be difficult for me in my position.There are some questions, which is understandable, but I know who I am. As for being a leader, some players will ask themselves to be such a player, it is natural, and it is the same for me. It’s not that I want to be another version of myself, I’m who I am, I’m not a big talker, and for me, performance on the court is the most important thing. ”
The showdown with Haaland
“He was a little injured in the second leg, but this guy is a beast, he is still young, he scored more than 50 goals last year, this year is not so good, but he still scored more than 30 goals (laughing) This is Taiwan’s goal Ball machine! ”
“I am born for such a matchup. I don’t watch the tape. You know the opponent and you know who your opponent is.” When people doubt me, when they say, ‘You can’t do it, he’s too strong,’ I become stronger, and that excites me, and the more people say it, it’s a good thing. ”
Psychological warfare with the opponent
“It’s part of the game and part of my game, sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn’t go well, but I always stay true to myself. ”
Upcoming matchup with Kane
“I think we will meet often, He is a world-class striker, someone of Haaland’s level, and I’m looking forward to playing against him. ”
Game against Bayern
“This is a historic matchup between the two teams, it will be a close matchup, I don’t think who has the upper hand, both teams are in good shape and the game will be very interesting.”
Players that Bayern needs to pay attention to
“Kane has just been mentioned, and of course there are others: Musiala, Sane. I hope Sane can be 100% healthy. I heard he has some problems. I hope he is healthy because I always want to play against the best players. This is my second time playing against Bayern in the Champions League and the first time. It’s not going well, but I’m looking forward to it because it’s an important game. ”
Talk about Tuchel
“I know him very well and respect him very much. I don’t know the reason why he left Bayern. You are asking the wrong person. ”
Real Madrid’s advantage
“We are like a big family, just like Carvajal didn’t play in El Clasico, but Vazquez replaced him perfectly. Vázquez is not a player in the spotlight but he does his job and, like Nacho, is always there when you need him and that is what sets him apart and the quality of the team is outstanding. ”
Talk about the praise he has received and his status in Real Madrid
“Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me. On the contrary, it would be better for me if people didn’t think well of me, because in my life and career, I’ve been underdog since early on, so it didn’t really matter to me. I just do my job and do my own thing. ”
