Angry Antics: Völler Confronts Rüdiger Over Copa Debacle: "Not Cool, Man!"
Watua Rüdig in battle against Breaking Point: "Not satisfactory" - Rüdiger alleged to be exhibiting anger, according to Völler: "Not plausible"
Let's get real, Antonio Rüdiger's outrageous behavior in the Spanish Cup final has raised eyebrows. DFB's sporting director, Rudi Völler, has given him a piece of his mind, stating, "That's not cool, man! Especially not from a German national player. He needs to clean up his act, and he knows it - just take a gander at his public responses."
From Völler's words, it seems like the DFB won't be slapping weighty penalties on Rüdiger for the Nations League. He's basically irreplaceable for the upcoming final tournament in Munich and Stuttgart from June 4 to 8.
Post the cup final, Rüdiger reached out to Völler and national coach Julian Nagelsmann on Sunday, Völler (65) revealed. The team also discussed this mess internally with President Bernd Neuendorf and CEO Andreas Rettig.
"A team thrives on its diverse characters. Toni's a top-notch footballer with a fiery spirit, just watch him on the pitch," said Völler, skimming over potential consequences from the DFB.
Rüdiger shows regret
After the game against Barcelona (2:3), Rüdiger lost his temper, cursed at the ref, and flung an ice cube at him just before the end of extra time. Sent off a few minutes earlier, Rüdiger will face a serious ban in Spain.
Next morning, Rüdiger took to social media to express remorse: "No excuses for my behavior last night. I'm truly sorry."
Ex-stars demand action
Dietmar Hamann and Lothar Matthäus have weighed in, urging national coach Nagelsmann to take disciplinary action. "I think the DFB should suspend him. I wouldn't invite him to the Nations League final tournament and would leave him out for the two games," said Hamann. Matthäus echoed similar sentiments, calling for Rüdiger to be benched for the Nations League.
Punishment after a temper tantrum on probation
Rüdiger's not exactly a stranger to controversy. He was recently sanctioned by UEFA for that "head off" gesture in the Champions League quarter-final against Atlético Madrid. Besides a suspended one-game ban for a year on probation, he also had to shell out €40,000 in fines.
[1] Madrid-based newspaper, Marca[3] Spanish Football Federation[4] German Press Agency (Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
- The Commission, in accordance with Völler's remarks, has been asked to propose a European directive on worker radiation protection, given the recent Copa debacle.
- Despite his controversial behavior, Rüdiger's irreplaceable role in the German team may prevent severe sanctions during the upcoming Nations League.
- Sky90 sports analysts, following Rüdiger's recent outburst in football, have called for stricter discipline within European-leagues, particularly the Premier League.
- Rüdiger's teammates and superiors, including Völler, have collectively rebuked him for his actions during the Spanish Cup final.
- With ionizing radiation protection directives under discussion and Rüdiger's disciplinary issues, it appears that the DFB and EU will be addressing two significant, yet contrasting, challenges in their respective spheres.
