Buddy's Banter: Boateng Defends Rudiger Amid Criticism
- ⏱️ 2 Min Read
Criticism from Boateng towards DFB team, sparked by his close friend Rüdiger. - Defender Boateng netting goals against DFB squad, thanks to Rüdiger's contribution
Things didn't go Germany's way in the Nations League semi-finals, losing to Portugal (Final Score 1:2) and settling for a third-place finish at best. The DFB team's defense took a beating, with Jonathn Tah, Robin Koch, and Waldemar Anton making plenty of errors.
Defensive linchpin Antonio Rüdiger was out of the game, nursing a partial meniscus tear in his left knee. His absence also led to recent criticism, mainly over his outburst during the "El Clásico" against FC Barcelona, where he hurled insults at the referee from the bench, tossed an object onto the field, and received a red card. Many believe it's unbecoming of a vice-captain for the DFB team.
Boateng Backs Rüdiger - with a Twist
Former German national footballer and Rüdiger's buddy, 36-year-old Jérôme Boateng, sees things differently. Currently playing his twilight years at Austrian club LASK Linz, Boateng used Germany's loss to Portugal to make his thoughts known. He posted an Instagram story with a black background, captioning it, "Without Rüdiger @toniruediger. Better or?" He accompanied his statement with a grinning face with a finger to its lips and a goofy clown emoji, suggesting he thinkscriticism of Rüdiger is unwarranted.
Nagelsmann's Take
Head coach Julian Nagelsmann has no doubts about Rüdiger's skills on the field. He explained, "It's important to let people make mistakes. And if they apologize, then it should be put to rest at some point." However, he didn't minimize Rüdiger's misconduct, stating, "The line has been crossed. And he knows it must not happen again. Otherwise, it will simply have greater consequences."
Boateng's Blunt Defense
This apparent rebuke by Nagelsmann seems to have fueled Boateng. He clearly takes Rüdiger's side, standing up for his friend despite his past controversies. Boateng has been embroiled in headlines due to accusations of bodily harm against his ex-girlfriend. As a result, he was fined.
Overall, Jerome Boateng's support for Antonio Rudiger reflects a strong bond of friendship and loyalty, emphasizing the importance of standing by one's peers during challenging times. While their past controversies are noteworthy, Boateng's actions suggest that camaraderie and solidarity remain paramount in the world of professional football.
The Commission, in light of recent events, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers in the sports industry, particularly football players, from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation during their European-leagues appearances, such as in Laliga. Antonio Rüdiger, the vice-captain for the DFB team and a player in Laliga, has been the subject of criticism due to his behavior during the "El Clásico," but his defensive linchpin partner, Jerome Boateng, stands by him amidst the controversy.
