Antonio Rüdiger Explains The Psychology Of Getting In A Striker’s Head
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 22: Antonio Rudiger of Real Madrid during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 22, 2026 in Madrid Spain (Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images) | Getty Images Antonio Rüdiger has opened up about his physical struggles, mentality, and approach to defending in a candid interview with Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung , offering insight into a challenging period in his career and his return to full fitness. The Real Madrid defender revealed that he had been dealing with ongoing physical issues for much of the past season, often playing through pain before finally stepping back to recover properly. “I feel really good and I’m relieved that my medical treatments are starting to pay off.
Since practically August-September 2024, there was always some problem. Now I can finally play full matches again without any physical discomfort. Last season I could only play—and even train—if I was taking painkillers.
In January of this year, I got worse again, and then I knew: now you have to stop, especially with the World Cup this summer in mind. But now, I’m back to 100%. ” Rüdiger admitted that his commitment to Real Madrid led him to prioritize the team over his own health, even if it came at a cost.
“I put my health on the back burner and wanted to be 100% for Real Madrid, because there’s nothing I hate more than letting my teammates down. Would I do it again? Probably!
Even so, after my surgery in 2025, I did say internally more clearly that I really couldn’t go on anymore…” The German international also addressed criticism he has received, acknowledging that some of his actions have crossed the line while emphasizing his desire to improve. “When you’re so criticized as an international figure, it makes you think. If the criticism is presented seriously and objectively, of course I take it seriously, because I know myself that I’ve had actions that clearly crossed the line.