Rudi Völler: Argentina's World Cup Style Was a 'Bad Example'

Rudi Völler, a celebrated figure in German football and a World Cup winner, has sharply criticized Argentina's style of play, particularly during the 2022 World Cup final, deeming it a "bad example" for aspiring teams.

“

I said that in Germany we need to defend better. Many people put the Argentines as a model and I thought it was a bad example.

Völler, who serves as the sporting director for the German Football Association, voiced his reservations at the International Congress of the German Coaches Association (BDFL). He expressed bewilderment at the notion of Argentina being held up as a model, especially given the perceived defensive shortcomings and tactical approach employed by the team.

"I said that in Germany we need to defend better. Many people put the Argentines as a model and I thought it was a bad example," Völler stated. He further elaborated, "Suddenly, the Argentines became the reference. I found the discussion somewhat hypocritical."

“

Suddenly, the Argentines became the reference. I found the discussion somewhat hypocritical.

The former player believes that Argentina's World Cup triumph does not justify the accolades heaped upon their style of play. "I don't want a team that plays like Argentina. What they did had nothing to do with football," Völler asserted, questioning the substance behind their success and the widespread admiration for their approach.

“

I don't want a team that plays like Argentina. What they did had nothing to do with football.