Rudiger talks Haaland, Huijsen, fitness, future ahead of Manchester City vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid will face off against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg fixture tomorrow at the Etihad Stadium.

Going into the game with a handsome three-goal advantage from the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, Los Blancos will hope to finish the job tomorrow and secure their place in the quarterfinals.

A lot will be riding on the defensive line, which will be led by Antonio Rudiger, as Real Madrid look to shut out Manchester City’s attacking overtures.

Ahead of the big game, the veteran defender appeared in front of the media for the pre-match press conference, discussing various matters, including his fitness and contract situation.

Highlighting what’s on the line tomorrow, the German international noted: “I’ve been in many matches like this. I won the Champions League with Real Madrid. You work for these matches, these moments.

“We’ve played against City many times over the years, one of the best teams in Europe. If you want to win the Champions League, you have to play against City.”

The ongoing season has not been easy for Rudiger, with the player having had fitness problems which have kept him sidelined at times, while he has played through pain on other occasions. Giving an insight into his physical levels now, he said:

“I’ve had a few minor issues, but that’s all in the past. If you look at the last few matches, I’m playing well and feeling good.

“I’m in good shape at this stage of the season. I’ve worked hard these past few months to be fit, to be able to help the team and be useful.”

Rudiger’s fitness problems have cast doubts over his future at Real Madrid, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season. When asked if he is keen on a renewal, the veteran star noted:

“For me, the most important thing is to be healthy. I feel fine. As for the rest… I’m sure we’ll reach an agreement. Now is not the time to talk about it.”

On being asked if Real Madrid had reached out to him to discuss a new deal, he added: “I feel good here. I notice the respect of the people and I appreciate it a lot.

“But sometimes you can’t just think about the emotional side; I also have to think about the fact that I feel good and I have a job to do. But I love Real Madrid.”

Rudiger and Haaland will battle again. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Moving onto the matters related to tomorrow’s match, Rudiger opened up on his upcoming battle with Manchester City phenom Erling Haaland.

“I don’t think much about these statistics, I don’t attach much importance to them, they’re just numbers. He won the battle against me in the group stage match. Players like Haaland are tough, and it’s a pleasure to face the best,” he said.

Crediting his partner, Dean Huijsen as well, he added: “I really enjoy that physical battle. Huijsen also played a very good game; I’m not alone in that defence. I’m really looking forward to this match.”

On what it meant for him to duel with Haaland and whether these battles have become a significant part of his career, Rudiger replied:

 “I’ve faced Haaland many times now. He’s a world-class player, very strong. I like these battles. As for my career, I think in my first season I knew that if I could beat him and keep up with Haaland, I could.

“But it’s fantastic when you face players like this. He seems like a good guy.”

One of the most experienced players in the squad, Rudiger is seen as a leadership figure in the locker room. Given the number of youngsters in the team and more and more coming through from the academy, he spoke about how he deals with them.

“I think I have an important role because we play with a lot of young players and my job is to help them. It’s my job to improve them as players. Young players also have to accept that they’re not Sergio Ramos or Maldini when they start out,” he said.

“As a veteran, you have to take on that responsibility and take the pressure off the younger players. Look at those coming in, there are many of them and they’re doing a great job. Hats off to the coach for giving them that confidence.”

On whether he was ready to take the responsibility in the penalty shootout, if it came down to that tomorrow, Rudiger replied:

“I hope it doesn’t come to that. I’m ready to take responsibility. If it falls to me, of course, I’d throw it back without hesitation.”

Source: AS