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Antonio Rudiger Real Madrid 03222026(C)Getty Images
Emanuele Tramacere

Translated by

Rüdiger responds to his critics: "I play a physical game, but I’m not a risk to my clubs"

Germany
A. Ruediger
Real Madrid
Juventus

Antonio Rüdiger isn’t having any of it, and in an interview given in his home country to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, he hit back hard at critics who accuse him of playing a style that is always on the edge and high-risk.


According to the Real Madrid centre-back, however, his approach is a precise, calculated strategy that poses no risk whatsoever to his clubs, as evidenced by the number of cards he has received.


  • "I'VE GOT A TOUGH STYLE – IT'S IN MY BLOOD"

    "Being a tough defender is in my blood. If you want to excel in one-on-one situations at this level, you can’t be passive or gentle. You have to make the attacker realise they’re in for a tough time. It’s all about mindset."

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  • "I KNOW WHO TO TARGET WITH PHYSICAL FORCE"

    "If an opponent gets angry easily, I take advantage of it. I analyse players thoroughly in advance, sometimes even preparing video analyses. I know right from the start who to target with physical force"

  • "I'M NOT A RISK – JUST ONE RED CARD IN NINE YEARS"

    "I pose absolutely no risk to my teams. Just one red card in nine years is no coincidence. Even the number of yellow cards I’ve received is far lower than many people think. It is precisely this style of play that enabled me to sign for Real Madrid. They appreciate me for it."

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