Rudiger To Transfer Madrid's 'Killer Instinct' To Germany Ahead Of Euro 2024

Antonio Rudiger aims to leverage his Real Madrid experience to benefit Germany at Euro 2024, seeking to instill a killer instinct in Julian Nagelsmann's team. Germany duo Toni Kroos and Rudiger recently helped Madrid secure their 15th Champions League title, defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final. This European triumph complements Los Blancos' LaLiga success this season under veteran coach Carlo Ancelotti.

With Germany's Euro 2024 opener against Scotland less than two weeks away, Rudiger hopes to integrate his club's winning mentality into Nagelsmann's national side. "These are two different pairs of shoes," Rudiger said on Wednesday, referring to the difference between Germany and Madrid. "Here we have a very good system that fits our game, but what we can take with us from Madrid is that killer instinct."

Germany's recent 0-0 draw against Ukraine highlighted their need for a more clinical approach. "Our last game against Ukraine was super good. I have not seen a 0-0 from us in quite some time that was so good, but the thing that was missing was the goals, and that is what we can learn from Madrid," Rudiger added.

Straight into training for Toni and Rudi #DFB #GermanFootball #GermanMNT #euro2024 pic.twitter.com/ydXVLkaIJf

— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) June 5, 2024

Germany were wasteful in their draw against Ukraine on Monday, echoing performances from their back-to-back group-stage exits at the World Cup in 2018 and 2022. They face Greece on Friday in their final warm-up match before the European Championship, where they will compete against Scotland, Hungary, and Switzerland in Group A.

"The anticipation in our own country is huge," Rudiger noted. "On Friday we have an important last test. It is important for our confidence and to excite our fans in this final test. We have to be humble. We all know what happened in past tournaments. The road to get here had ups and downs. What is important is to play a very good first game and then see what happens in the rest of the tournament."

Regarding Rudiger's role within Germany's national setup, Nagelsmann expects the centre-back to guide his side through the tournament. "Julian said that I should be a leader in my role," Rudiger concluded.