BILD demands Rudiger AXED from Germany World Cup squad after Rico clash

BILD demands Rudiger AXED from Germany World Cup squad after Rico clash

German newspaper BILD are demanding national team coach Julian Nagelsmann leave Toni Rudiger at home for this summer's World Cup.

The Real Madrid defender's clash with Getafe fullback Diego Rico has sparked debate in Germany over his place in Nagelmann's squad,

Rudiger's knee struck a grounded Rico in the face during Getafe's shock 1-0 win at Real Madrid on Monday night.

BILD published an opinion piece by its sports editor, Hennin Feindt, declaring Rudiger's attitude to be "unacceptable" and demanding his exclusion from Nagelsmann's World Cup squad.

In the article, Feindt adds that Germany does not need the experienced Real Madrid defender, as the centre-back position is amply covered by "a solid defence with (Nico) Schlotterbeck and (Jonathan) Tah".

Rico, speaking to Deportes Cope, stated: "It wasn't accidental at all. No fellow professional goes in with such malice to a player who's on the ground face up and knees him like that."