After Rüdiger lost his temper during last season’s cup final against FC Barcelona (2–3 a.e.t.), insulting the referee and throwing a roll of tape at him, Nagelsmann and DFB sporting director Rudi Völler made their position clear.
“The limit has been reached. He must not allow himself to do this again, otherwise there will be serious consequences,” Nagelsmann stated at the time. Völler added: “This is unacceptable, especially for a German international. Toni is a top-class player, but as an international he must show class in his behaviour too. He rightly demands respect for himself and must show the same respect to others without exception.”
In the months that followed, Rüdiger appeared contrite. “This discussion shows me once again that I have a responsibility which I have failed to live up to at times. I take serious and objective criticism seriously, because I know myself that I’ve had moments that were clearly over the top,” he told the FAZ back in March: “I don’t want to be a source of unrest, but rather to provide stability and security.”