Change in defense: Antonio Rüdiger is confirmed as Germany’s starter in the World Cup amid coach support and controversy
Defender Antonio Rüdiger will take over the starting line-up in Germany’s defense at the World Cup. The change occurs due to Schlotterbeck’s injury, and coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the defender’s inclusion for this Thursday’s clash against Ecuador, scheduled for 5pm (Brasília time), in the last round of Group E.
In a statement made on Wednesday, Nagelsmann expressed full confidence in the athlete. “Antonio is very well, physically very well. The knee doesn’t bother him, he did a good job when he started in the last game and he will do it again now”, said the coach about the defender’s performance.
At 33 years old, the Real Madrid player is considered a fundamental piece in the national team’s dressing room, even when he played as a substitute. His lineup was endorsed by coach Nagelsmann after a season at the Spanish club that generated a lot of repercussions.
Recent controversies and criticism of the defender
At the beginning of the year, Antonio Rüdiger faced criticism in his home country for moments of lack of control on the field during his time at Real Madrid. Incidents such as the accusation of attempted assault on Diego Rico, a Getafe player, caught the attention of the media.
Months before being called up for the World Cup, Julian Nagelsmann came out in public defense of his team. On the occasion, the coach highlighted the defender’s polarizing nature: “I have a great relationship with Antonio. Some players we have to analyze how they are treated, some receive more attention. And he is a player who polarizes opinions”, he declared.
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Rüdiger’s transformation and his role in the German national team
Nagelsmann also detailed Rüdiger’s evolution within the group. He highlighted the player’s transformation, from someone more reserved to someone who interacts more with all his teammates, building significant respect among both young people and more experienced players. “He is our vice-captain and has undergone a radical transformation in the team”, added the coach.
At Real Madrid, the defender also experienced internal disagreements, including an argument with full-back Álvaro Carreras. Rüdiger apologized for what happened, and, during the World Cup, his contract renewal with the Spanish club was officially announced.
The player himself admitted the validity of certain criticisms and his search for greater balance. “I take objective criticism seriously, because I know that I have experienced situations where I exaggerated. I’m trying to concentrate more, I don’t want to experience instability, but rather security,” said Rüdiger in an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper.
Bank acceptance and new chance at a decisive moment
In the German national team, Antonio Rüdiger is widely seen as an aggregator and behind-the-scenes leader. He had accepted the role of reserve for the duo formed by Tah and Schlotterbeck, even praising them publicly. “Everyone has their time. And now it’s their turn”, he declared the previous week.
However, Schlotterbeck’s injury reopened the way for the number 2 to resume a central position. After participating in Germany’s frustrating campaigns in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, when the team was eliminated in the group stage, the defender now has a crucial opportunity to help the four-time world champions advance and achieve a more impressive performance in the current tournament.
