Klinsmann visit was agreed with Hitzfeld

Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has expressed incomprehension at a raging media debate over Jürgen Klinsmann’s presence at Bayern’s midweek UEFA Cup tie against Getafe. “I really don’t understand the whole affair,“ Rummenigge stated on Saturday in an appearance as a studio expert for Premiere TV.

The former world-class striker emphasised that the team knew nothing of Klinsmann’s presence at the Allianz Arena, “so there’s no way they can have been distracted or put off,“ Rummenigge pointed out.

Hitzfeld in agreement

Furthermore, the Bayern boss continued, Klinsmann had sought Ottmar Hitzfeld’s permission to attend the match when the pair dined together the previous evening. “It must have been a very productive conversation, or so I’ve heard. At the end of the chat, Jürgen asked Ottmar if his coming to the match would be a problem. If it had been a problem, Jürgen obviously wouldn’t have come. Ottmar answered: it’s no problem at all, hopefully you’ll see us win a good game.“

Rummenigge urged all parties “to stay relaxed about the whole thing. We’re in good shape at the moment and shouldn’t be making problems for ourselves.“