'I felt insulted' - Mats Hummels explodes over Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic's 'submissive' tactics ahead of Champions League final as he reveals 'bitterness' over shock Germany Euro 2024 squad snub

Hummels has spoken out about Terzic's tactics just days before the Champions League final against Real Madrid at Wembley. The 35-year-old has blasted the boss for his "submissive" style of play and has claimed he felt "insulted" following his orders this season for the Bundesliga side. Hummels also expressed his disappointment at being left out of the Germany squad for Euro 2024.

He told Bild: "I was furious because I was of the opinion that Borussia Dortmund shouldn't play like that - against any opponent in the world. I didn't think it could go on like this. I felt insulted in my honour to stand on the pitch in that kit. So submissive, so inferior in footballing terms. The two Stuttgart games and the away game in Leverkusen. That was barricading with 11 men in the box."

Hummels went on to discuss his surprise international snub. He added: “I can understand the idea that a group has been growing since March. It's bitter for me as an individual because I'm currently one of the five best defenders in Germany. I have the self-confidence to say that. 

“If I'd had a phase like the one I had recently before the squad was announced in March, maybe I would have been called up - for the European Championship squad now as well.”

Dortmund are underdogs for the final but that status may well suit them. Terzic's men have already enjoyed unexpected wins over Atletico Madrid and PSG to reach the final as well as coming out of a tough group that included AC Milan, Newcastle and Kylian Mbappe's side. Dortmund finished the season down in fifth place in the Bundesliga table but could end the season a real high if they can overcome the odds by beating Madrid to lift the European Cup on Saturday.

Hummels and Marco Reus are the only two players remaining from the Borussia Dortmund side that reached the 2013 Champions League final, which they lost to arch-rivals Bayern Munich.

Hummels' contract at Dortmund expires in the summer and it's not yet known if he will continue with the club. The defender told Bild that he will wait until after the Champions League final to make a decision but added that "retirement is the least likely scenario right now".