Ahead of upcoming international friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana, Germany captain Joshua Kimmich has publicly backed teammate Antonio Rüdiger, responding to recent criticism leveled against the Real Madrid center-back. The support comes as Rüdiger faces scrutiny regarding both his on-field performances and off-field conduct while representing the German national team, known as the Mannschaft.
Speaking at a press conference, Kimmich emphasized Rüdiger’s importance to the squad. “This is a question for the coach,” Kimmich stated, deferring direct discussion of tactical decisions to head coach Julian Nagelsmann. “But, generally, Toni is a incredibly critical player. I sometimes get the feeling that people in Germany forget what Toni has delivered over the last three, four years. He’s a regular starter at Real Madrid and plays in the Champions League final stages every year. He’s a player you can always rely on.”
The defense of Rüdiger arrives at a time when his position in the national team appears less secure. Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen and Nico Schlotterbeck of Borussia Dortmund have established themselves as key figures in the center of defense for Germany, leading to questions about Rüdiger’s role. However, Kimmich clearly believes the experienced defender still has a vital contribution to make.
Kimmich continued, highlighting Rüdiger’s consistent performance at the club level. “He has proven he can perform at the highest level. Players like him are important.” This sentiment underscores the value Kimmich places on having seasoned veterans capable of delivering in high-pressure situations, particularly as Germany prepares for future international tournaments.
The support from Kimmich isn’t simply about defending a teammate; it’s a statement about valuing experience and reliability within the national team setup. Rüdiger’s track record with Real Madrid, consistently reaching the latter stages of the Champions League, speaks to a level of performance that Kimmich believes is often overlooked when assessing his contributions to the Mannschaft.
This isn’t the first time Rüdiger’s conduct has come under the spotlight. Reports from earlier in 2026, as noted by Goal.com, detail a public warning from Nagelsmann following an incident in the Spanish Cup final against Barcelona in May. Rüdiger was reportedly verbally abusive towards the referee and threw an object, resulting in a six-match ban. More recently, a hard tackle on Getafe’s Rico also drew criticism.
Despite these incidents, Kimmich’s message is clear: Rüdiger’s experience and competitive level are fundamental to Germany’s success. He emphasized that Rüdiger has demonstrated his ability to perform in crucial matches and consistently provides solidity to the defense, making him a key reference point for the team.
The situation highlights a broader debate within German football about the balance between form, experience, and discipline. While Tah and Schlotterbeck represent the future of the German defense, Kimmich’s intervention suggests that Rüdiger still has a role to play, particularly in high-stakes encounters.
The upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana will provide an opportunity for Nagelsmann to assess Rüdiger’s current form and determine his place in the squad. The matches, scheduled for March 28th and March 31st respectively, will be crucial preparation ahead of any potential tournament play.
Kimmich’s public support serves as a reminder of the importance of team cohesion and the value of experienced players, even in the face of criticism. It remains to be seen how Nagelsmann will utilize Rüdiger, but Kimmich’s words clearly indicate that the Real Madrid defender still has the backing of one of Germany’s most influential players.
Germany will face Switzerland on March 28th, followed by a match against Ghana on March 31st. These friendlies will be key indicators of the team’s preparation and tactical approach as they glance ahead to future competitions. The performances of both Rüdiger and the emerging defensive pairing of Tah and Schlotterbeck will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
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