Germany Chief Rudi Voller Calls for ‘Change’ from Antonio Rudiger After Real Madrid Star’s Red-Card Controversy

Germany’s sporting director, Rudi Voller, has publicly stated that Antonio Rudiger needs to modify his behavior following the Real Madrid defender’s sending-off in the Copa del Rey final. Voller confirmed that he and national team coach Julian Nagelsmann spoke with Rudiger on Sunday about the incident.

Rudiger received a red card in the final moments of Real Madrid’s 3-2 extra-time loss to Barcelona. His frustration boiled over, leading him to throw an ice pack in the direction of referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. He then had to be physically restrained by teammates and staff as he attempted to confront the official.

Voller emphasized that while Rudiger is a top player, his conduct as a representative of the German national team must be exemplary. He deemed Rudiger’s actions, influenced by the heated atmosphere, as unacceptable and stressed the need for the defender to change his behavior, a sentiment Voller believes Rudiger understands