Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has called for “mutual respect” between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund before the UEFA Champions League final.
The German giants have a fierce rivalry that has intensified in recent years as they do battle at the top of the Bundesliga, and relations soured further last month when it emerged that Dortmund star Mario Goetze will join the Allianz Arena outfit in the close-season.
However, Bayern chief executive Rummenigge has insisted that the clubs should focus on the pride involved in playing in the first-ever all-German UEFA Champions League final at Wembley on May 25.
“After 12 years, there will definitely be a German champion,” said Rummenigge, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career with Bayern and Germany in the 1970s and 80s.
He added: “I think that’s something we should be proud of but we also need to use this chance in a serious way. Making fun of the opponent, being combative and especially hate in the next few weeks need to be avoided at all cost.
“I’m hoping for mutual respect and a responsible way of acting.”
Bayern could end the season with the first treble in their history, as they have already wrapped up the Bundesliga title with a record points total and face Stuttgart in the DFB-Pokal final a week after their clash with Dortmund in London.
And Rummenigge has lauded Jupp Heynckes and his team for an incredible campaign.
“We have broken a lot of records this year. No one ever won the title faster than us. The stats are still being looked at in detail but there is barely a record we didn’t get to,” he stated.
“We even broke the record of the most records ever being broken in the Bundesliga. I find that wonderful.”
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