Despite being the first team to advance to the 1/8 stage of the Euro 2024 competition, Rudiger’s outburst with Kai Havertz during the team’s victory over Hungary appears to indicate that there may be an issue inside the German squad.

 

With a 2-0 victory over Hungary, Germany has now officially become the first team to advance to the Euro 2024 round of 1/8. But after the home team’s triumph, defender Antonio Rudiger was seen becoming upset with teammate Kai Havertz, suggesting that things are not stable in the Tank’s locker room.

In Stuttgart, Germany won at home thanks to goals from Ilkay Gundogan from close range in the 67th minute and Jamal Musiala in the first. The happiness was short-lived, nonetheless, as Rudiger abruptly lost his cool with a coach and gestured at Havertz.

 

Kai Havertz lost the ball dangerously, and the German net shook in the final minute of the first half

Rudiger was upset because Havertz played impatiently and fell too far behind in the first half. The German defense became disoriented as a result, and goalie Neuer had to step in and make a stop when Hungary had a chance to score. Roland Sallai’s header into the net was fortunately later called offside.

Following that incident, Rudiger stormed onto the pitch to lash out at Havertz, his teammate. Before heading off the field for halftime, Real Madrid players were also reported to have had a pretty heated conversation with members of the coaching staff. Rudiger is probably of the opinion that Havertz’s error could result in a regrettable defeat for Germany.

Fortunately, two Hungarian players were offside and the goal was disallowed

Following the pause, internal issues persisted. Rudiger continued yelling at Havertz, who was sitting on the bench, even after Gundogan’s 2-0 goal for Germany doubled the lead. Fans criticized his attitude in large part.

But Rudiger has previously demonstrated to his teammates that he is unable to control his emotions. Similar confrontations occurred in the past between him with other Chelsea players, including Kepa and Cesar Azpilicueta.

Many believe that the German team is experiencing an internal crisis as a result of Rudiger’s activities at Euro 2024. This is a really bad time for the “Tank,” because they have to give their all to the next challenging games in order to win the coveted championship at home.

Obviously, coach Julian Nagelsmann needs to work on the team’s discipline, especially after the Rudiger and Havertz incident. Internal controversies and discord can affect the entire team’s performance on the field if not resolved promptly.

Fortunately, Germany has already secured a ticket to the round of 16 at Euro 2024, this is an opportunity for them to revive their spirit of solidarity before more important challenges, in the journey to win the Euro championship right on their own soil.