Real Madrid defender determined to bounce back stronger after Club World Cup struggles | OneFootball

Real Madrid’s defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the semifinal of the FIFA Club World Cup was caused by a collective failure across the park. The lacklustre defence, however, had a massive role to play in conceding four goals on the night.

Dean Huijsen’s suspension against the French side forced the manager to deploy a combination of Antonio Rudiger and Raul Asencio in central defence. Both players ended up making massive errors that directly led to PSG goals.

Ready to bounce back stronger

In the case of the the German, it was a misplaced pass under Ousmane Dembele’s pressure that led to the opening and MARCA relays that Rudiger is deeply affected by the mistake he made.

After all, he holds himself against far higher standards. As stated by the Spanish outlet, Rudiger closed the season with bittersweet feelings and is now on vacation, still cursing himself for the rookie error he made on the night.

Rudiger endured a poor game vs PSG. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

In fact, he sees it as the worst failure of his career. As such, he is determined to bounce back stronger and is confident about recovering from what has been a difficult period for the veteran.

Difficult season for Rudiger

The last season was not an easy one for the veteran star who played most of the campaign fighting through severe pain in his knee to help the team through an acute defensive crisis.

Rudiger underwent surgery at the end of the season after the Copa del Rey final and was not expected to be back in time for the Club World Cup. His desire to play the event enabled a miraculous recovery and he made it back in time to play.

Now on vacation, the German star prioritises a complete physical and mental reset and is hoping to recover his best form for the new season.

A complete recovery from his knee pain will help him become the agile and powerful version of himself from a few years ago and he is determined to do the same.

Rudiger will be unavailable for the team’s first La Liga game of the season and will look to use that as a positive as he will get an extra week of rest before returning.

Given his mentality, he is sure that he will return stronger than ever before after his mistake against PSG and that he will be vital under Xabi Alonso.