Rudiger excited to work with Mourinho at Real Madrid: ‘Even happier to welcome him with us’ | OneFootball

Antonio Rudiger is one of the many Real Madrid players in action at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, and his team kicked off the tournament in grand style as they put seven goals past Curacao.

Rudiger played just 17 minutes on the night and is not expected to be a regular starter for Germany in the ongoing event given the new generation of young defenders rising.

He will, however, likely be a starter for Real Madrid next season after recently closing a one-year contract renewal with the club. Jose Mourinho and Co. are indeed looking for new signings in the department, but Rudiger remains a central figure.

Rudiger speaks on Real Madrid

Speaking to the media during the ongoing World Cup earlier this week, the Real Madrid defender was asked what he felt about Jose Mourinho’s appointment, especially given how he is finally going to play under the legendary coach after being close on multiple occasions.

“I can’t say too much, but I can say that I’m very excited. I’m finally going to play at his command.”

The new Real Madrid manager. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

“In the past, there were many conversations with him, but for some reason, it never happened. That’s why now I’m even happier to welcome him with us,” he added.

Rudiger then reviewed his contract renewal at the Spanish capital and how he never considered a departure from the club despite struggling for fitness.

“I had a difficult past year, especially physically. I had to struggle a lot with the injuries and I managed to come back.”

“Madrid is practically my home. I feel very good, my family feels very good there, and that’s why I never really thought of anything else. I just wanted to get back in shape and earn my new contract. And I got it,” he added.

The German defender was then asked to review the last two seasons for the club and how they went trophy-less on both occasions.

“The last two years at Real Madrid have been hard. We were unsuccessful,” he began.

“But, if you look at the profile of players we have there, exactly the types of players like Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham or Vinicius are the ones who step up in the moments when you need them,” he added.

On new signings and Schlotterbeck

Rudiger was then asked about Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho’s strong mission to sign new defenders this summer and what he made of the sudden urgency.

Schlotterbeck is a target for Real Madrid. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

“First of all, good players are always welcome. I can’t say much more about that.”

When asked about the possibility of his compatriot Nico Schlotterbeck joining the club this summer, Rudiger had nothing but praise for the Borussia Dortmund star.

“I would be very happy, absolutely,” he began.

“Especially in offensive set pieces he was always a danger for the rival. And in the duels he was very intense and very involved,” he added, particularly highlighting Schlotterbeck’s role in Germany’s recent match.

“In addition, in Nico, we must highlight his excellent ball output. Really, his left leg is gold. It must be recognised,” he concluded.

Source: MARCA