Rudi Völler against Argentina: "I don't want the German national team to play like that"

Rudi Völler, the sporting director of the German national team, caused a stir after harshly criticizing Argentina and claiming that it should not serve as a role model for German football. The remarks also made headlines in the Argentine media, which followed the criticism from one of the icons of German football, who was not impressed by the play of the newly crowned World Cup runners-up.

At the international conference of the German Football Coaches Association held in Mainz, Völler addressed the need for the German national team to improve defensively, but rejected claims that Argentina is an example of the desired style.

"I said that we, as Germany, need to defend better. Many people pointed to Argentina as an example to follow. I thought it was a bad example. Suddenly, Argentina became the benchmark for everything. I found this discussion a bit hypocritical."

Völler continued and clarified: "I do not want a team that plays like Argentina. It has nothing to do with football at all. Yes, they were world champions in 2022 and this time they finished as runners-up, but I really did not understand all the praise they received from so many people. It was too much."

The German team director also addressed the playing style of the Albiceleste and claimed that it includes too much aggression and sometimes unsportsmanlike behavior. "There were many things there that were too aggressive, and sometimes also unsportsmanlike," he said.

In Germany, the remarks were met with applause from those present at the conference, which included professionals and senior coaches. Völler, a world champion with Germany in 1990, while not belittling Argentina's achievements, argued that there are other teams that Germany should learn from.

According to him, Spain and England are the more correct examples: "Spain deservedly received all the praise, and England also defended excellently." Völler explained that both teams managed to maintain their playing identity while simultaneously demonstrating high defensive ability.

In Argentina, where the national team has won the 2022 World Cup in recent years and reached the final again in 2026, the remarks were received as a surprise attack from one of the greatest figures in the history of German football. "A surprise attack from Germany," was written in 'Olé', at a time when the Argentine national team is under sharp international criticism following its weak performance in the World Cup final and the rioting that followed.