Rüdiger acknowledges Tah as Germany's new defensive leader
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 17, 2026, 7:56 PM
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Antonio Rüdiger expressed acceptance of his new role as a substitute on the German national soccer team, identifying Jonathan Tah as 'the new boss' of the defense. Rüdiger, who has been a mainstay in the squad, now finds himself behind Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck in the pecking order. He praised Tah's recent performances and commitment, stating that the shift in roles represents the natural progression of players in the team. Germany is preparing for their second group match of the World Cup against Ivory Coast on June 20.
- •Rüdiger is now Germany's third-choice center back.
- •Tah and Schlotterbeck are current starters in defense.
- •Rüdiger came on for Tah in Germany's opening match, a 7-1 win over Curacao.
- •Germany's next match is against Ivory Coast on June 20.
- 12:48 PMYahoo Sports — “He’s the new leader” – Rüdiger highlights Tah’s importance for Germany
- 7:56 PMYahoo Sports — Dethroned Rüdiger names Tah 'the new boss' in Germany defence
"Antonia Rüdiger has said he is content with a new and unfamiliar role as substitute in the German national team and admitted that Jonathan Tah is "the new boss" at the back. Rüdiger was a key centre back for the team for years but the Real Madrid man is now only third choice, with Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck the new starters.
"Antonio Rüdiger spoke highly of Germany teammate and fellow centre-back Jonathan Tah at a press conference on Wednesday.Since Julian Nagelsmann took over as Germany coach in September 2023, Tah has b...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 18, 2026, 12:48 PM“He’s the new leader” – Rüdiger highlights Tah’s importance for Germany
Antonio Rüdiger spoke highly of Germany teammate and fellow centre-back Jonathan Tah at a press conference on Wednesday.Since Julian Nagelsmann took over as Germany coach in September 2023, Tah has b...
- Yahoo SportsJun 17, 2026, 7:56 PMDethroned Rüdiger names Tah 'the new boss' in Germany defence
Antonia Rüdiger has said he is content with a new and unfamiliar role as substitute in the German national team and admitted that Jonathan Tah is "the new boss" at the back. Rüdiger was a key centre back for the team for years but the Real Madrid man is now only third choice, with Tah and Nico Schlotterbeck the new starters.
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