During Madrid’s 3-2 defeat on Saturday, Rüdiger was seen shouting at the referee and appeared to throw a small bag of ice toward him during extra time. The German international has since apologized publicly for his conduct.
The incident sparked criticism from former Germany midfielder Dietmar Hamann, who suggested on Sunday that Rüdiger should be dropped from Germany’s squad for the UEFA Nations League final four tournament in June.
Speaking to the dpa news agency on Monday, Völler emphasized the high standards expected from national team players.
“You can’t do that. And especially not as a player for the German national team. He needs to change that and he knows that himself, his public reaction shows that,” Völler said. “Toni is a classy player, but as a player for the German national team he also needs to display class in his behavior. He rightly demands respect for himself—and he needs to show this same respect to others without exception.”
While Völler did not clarify whether Rüdiger’s outburst would impact his selection for the national team, he stressed that he did not want the defender to lose his emotional intensity on the pitch.
“Toni is an excellent soccer player and a very emotional guy, a fighter on the field,” Völler added. “And he should stay that way.”
Germany is set to face Portugal in the Nations League semifinals in Munich on June 4.