Outburst in the cup final: DFB reprimands Rüdiger, but defensive leader remains national player

"Toni is a top-notch player—but as a national player, he must also demonstrate class in his behavior. He rightly demands respect for himself, and he must show this respect to others without exception," Völler told the Sport-Information-Dienst (SID).

Rüdiger is an "outstanding footballer" and a "very emotional guy," and "he should stay that way." Nevertheless, the DFB sports director emphasized regarding the outburst in the cup final: "That's not acceptable. Especially not as a German international. He has to change that, and he knows it himself; his public reaction shows it."

Völler, national coach Julian Nagelsmann, and Rüdiger already had a conversation on Sunday. They discussed the incident extensively. Rüdiger himself knew he had to "change" in this regard, Völler said. The topic was also discussed within the German Football Association (DFB) with President Andreas Neuendorf and Managing Director Andreas Rettig.

Based on Völler's statements, it can be deduced that the DFB will not impose any sporting sanctions on Rüdiger with regard to the Nations League. The vice-captain is actually indispensable for the upcoming Nations League final tournament from June 4 to 8 in Munich and Stuttgart.

During Real Madrid's 2-3 loss to FC Barcelona after extra time, Rüdiger threw an object at the referee from the bench, received a red card, and then loudly insulted the referee in German. Several teammates and Real Madrid representatives were only able to restrain the central defender with difficulty.

"In this case, he and some of his teammates were too caught up in the extremely heated atmosphere that had inexplicably often prevailed around the club before the game," says Völler.

Rüdiger caused a stir at the end of March with a head-off gesture when city rivals Atlético advanced to the Champions League.