Overview

• Antonio Rüdiger told Süddeutsche Zeitung he knows he will be watched closely and called his behavior in the Spanish Cup final "wrong and absolutely overblown."
• He threw a roll of tape toward the referee in April’s 2-3 loss to Barcelona, was sent off, and loudly insulted the official before being restrained by teammates and staff.
• He has completed the six-match suspension imposed for the incident by Spanish authorities.
• After missing June’s Nations League Final Four through injury, he says he is pain-free, completed full preparation, and aims to return to his best form.
• Coach Julian Nagelsmann has warned that any repeat misconduct will bring heavier consequences, and Rüdiger is expected to be in contention for World Cup qualifiers on Sept. 4 in Slovakia and Sept. 7 against Northern Ireland in Cologne.