Real Madrid defender reconsidering international retirement after managerial change | OneFootball

Despite starting the FIFA World Cup as a backup and rotational centre-back for Germany, Antonio Rudiger ended up having far more prominence than expected.

An unexpected injury to Nico Schlotterbeck saw him take over as a regular starter for his side, and he even played 110 minutes in Germany’s eventual defeat to Paraguay.

His country’s disappointing elimination early in the knockout stages, needless to say, was a difficult pill to swallow and Rudiger’s international future was left in a grey area.

It was even suggested that the player was considering retiring.

An uncertain situation

As reported by SPORT BILD via GOAL, Rudiger told his teammates immediately after the Paraguay defeat that he was going to retire from international football.

Klopp’s arrival may reverse Rudiger’s retirement decision. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)

At 33 years of age, he has after all given his everything for the national team and will be 37 by the time the next World Cup arrives.

The managerial change at the German national team, however, appears to have changed his decision.

With Jurgen Klopp being appointed head coach, the player is said to have now left the door open to continuing.

Back in training

While the World Cup may not have turned out how he would have intended, Rudiger has now put that past him and is already back in the Spanish capital to prepare for the new season.

Rudiger is back in training. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)

With Jose Mourinho arriving as the new coach, Rudiger is excited for the season that lies ahead and has already spoken highly of the Portuguese tactician.

He will, however, have a massive task in ensuring he stays important in the dynamics given how Mourinho has been making defensive signings.

Ibrahima Konate has already arrived as a direct competitor, and Real Madrid are pushing to make one more central defensive signing. Rudiger’s performances in pre-season, needless to say, will be critical in deciding his role in the coming campaign.

Surprisingly, the player will now work with two new managers at the club and country level, and it is surprising that both Real Madrid and Germany have made a coaching shift in the same window. Despite his age, the player will back himself to come good as a starter in both teams.