Van Gaal gets Rummenigge backing

(GSM) – Bayern München chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has given his full backing to coach Louis van Gaal following another disastrous defeat for the German champions at the weekend.

The Bavarian giants have endured a stuttering start to their Bundesliga campaign, picking up just eight points from their opening seven games.

Their latest defeat inflicted by Borussia Dortmund means the champions are already languishing 13 points behind surprise leaders Mainz 05.

But Rummenigge insists there will be no knee-jerk reaction as the club retains full confidence in the Dutch coach who led them to a domestic double and the UEFA Champions League final last term.

He said: “Whether a coach is doing a good job or not cannot be determined by just one weekend.

“He has our full trust.”

Rummenigge’s comments come as the squad’s traditional visit to the Oktoberfest beer festival was cancelled on Monday.

A club statement said: “The board of Bayern has called off the planned visit of coaches and players to the Oktoberfest this lunchtime.

“Because of the current sporting situation coach Louis van Gaal has set a training session instead.”

Rummenigge welcomed Van Gaal’s decision to organise an extra training session, saying: “When you lose it is not proper to be (at the Oktoberfest) and raise our beer glasses.

“For the coach to schedule a training session is the logical consequence. We have to be working hard now and not celebrating.”