Revealed: Angry Antonio Rudiger's emotional plea to Germany team-mates in dressing room after shocking loss to Slovakia in World Cup qualifying opener

Germany's World Cup qualifying campaign got off to a disastrous start with a shock 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in midweek. The defensive performance was particularly poor and amateurish, with the team looking vulnerable throughout the game. At the centre of the criticism is Real Madrid defender Rudiger, whose blunders were instrumental in both of Slovakia's goals. Following the final whistle, the frustration erupted behind the scenes, with players speaking their minds in the locker room.

This loss marks Germany's first-ever away defeat in a World Cup qualifier and their third consecutive competitive loss. The defeat has sent shockwaves through the national team, which is already facing questions about its collective mentality. Coach Julian Nagelsmann publicly criticised the team for their lack of "emotionality" and for playing with the "handbrake on", and it has since been revealed that he and Rudiger let the team have it in the dressing room after the game.

According to Bild, Rudiger took the initiative to address his team-mates personally with the core of the message being unity and solidarity.

"We must act as a team now. We can only get out of this together. No one can help us except ourselves. We can only do it together and with solidarity."

Stuttgart defender Maximilian Mittelstadt reiterated on the same, saying: "The coach, of course, addressed the team. Toni Rudiger also spoke to the team. I don't think there's any need to talk much, though; we all know it simply wasn't a good performance. But we've shown in the past that we're capable of showing a different face."

Germany have a chance for an immediate response when they face Northern Ireland in their next qualifying match on September 8. The pressure will be immense, and all eyes will be on Rudiger to back up his words with a top-class performance on the pitch.