Antonio Rüdiger Prepares for Third World Cup Despite Real Madrid Title Drought

German defender Antonio Rüdiger is preparing to participate in his third World Cup, following Real Madrid's failure to secure any major titles for the second year in a row.

Rüdiger's contract with Real Madrid expires this summer, though most reports indicate that the club and player are expected to renew their agreement for an additional season.

In an interview with The Guardian, Rüdiger stated, "There has been a lot of noise and talk after our failure to win titles over two years."

He added, "We just need to take the right actions, be honest with ourselves, draw the appropriate conclusions, and then start a new season."

Rüdiger emphasized, "What do you want us to do? Do you want us to keep crying over past seasons? No. We have to learn the right lessons and move forward because what is lost cannot be recovered."

Regarding Germany's chances at the World Cup, he commented, "When you are a big country like Germany with such a great football history, you do not go to the World Cup just to participate; you try to achieve your best."

He concluded, "Of course, there are teams currently stronger than us, but sometimes it is not bad to be in the position of the underdog."