Bundesliga - Bayern, Dortmund in war of words over Reus
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich and champions Borussia Dortmund were locked in a war of words days after the latter snapped up forward Marco Reus, long a target for the Bavarians.
The 22-year-old Borussia Moenchengladbach and Germany forward, who has scored 10 goals this season, agreed last week to join Dortmund at the end of the season in a five-year deal that is the biggest so far in the winter transfer period.
"Dortmund have been successful in keeping up with their own understated position," Bayern sports director Christian Nerlinger told Bild newspaper. "This is now finished with this transfer. It is a whole new step."
Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes said Bayern had had a string of rivals over the years but remained top of the heap as challenges from clubs such as Werder Bremen, Gladbach and Dortmund faded after a few seasons.
"Let's wait and see how long they can keep moving on this level," Heynckes said.
Dortmund, surprisingly dominant champions last season and in second place three points behind Bayern in the current campaign, have repeatedly played down their chances of defending the title, saying they would be happy with a finish that would secure them European football next season.
"Have no fear. When we decide to change our strategy we will make sure to let Mr Nerlinger know," Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp said in response.
The 1997 Champions League winners have come back from the brink of financial ruin a few years ago to become Bayern's biggest title rivals in recent seasons.
Reus's reported £14.5 million transfer only underlines their ambition for a more permanent place at the top of the Bundesliga.
Comment 1 - 6 of 6
Can't see the'war of words' myself, but all credit to Dortmund for getting Reus! Just imagine him alongside Goetze for next season, a duet from heaven, i feel. Let's hope Goetze gives the finger to the premiership as he is too good to fritter his talent away like that, no winter break etc. These two can not only help Dortmund to rule in germany, but also to win the champions league the 'right way'. That would be pure magic, let's celebrate it people!!!
Hope Dortmund continue to get under the noses of Bayern. Bayern always try to buy the league by nicking other teams best players, offering silly money. Just like Man U, when Bayern are challenged for dominance they cry and scream unfair.
Bayern always react like this when they fail to get one of their targets. They were even more violent in their criticism of Arturo Vidal when the latter opted to move to Juventus.
Bayern isn't called FC Hollywood for no reason.
Wouldn't exactly call it a 'war of words'. Since when are rivals not allowed to give each other a little 'pop' in the press. Let's have 10 more years of this! (If- as Bayern rightfully says- Dortmund are up to it.)
pathetic Bayern, arrogant and respectless.
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account