Bayern Munich bosses threaten to sue media over 'disrespectful reporting'

Niko Kovac's side have gone four games without a win and are currently sixth in the Bundesliga

Tom Kershaw
Friday 19 October 2018 12:57 BST
Comments
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Niko Kovac attended Oktoberfest together
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Niko Kovac attended Oktoberfest together (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Bayern Munich bosses have accused the media of “disrespectful reporting” with Niko Kovac’s side without a win in their last four games.

Bayern travel to VFL Wolfsburg on Saturday in sixth position in the Bundesliga, having been defeated by both Hertha Berlin and Borussia Mönchengladbach last month, with the manager heavily under fire.

However, Bayern’s club president, Uli Hoeness, and CEO, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, have threatened the German press with possible legal action and branded them as "outrageous, disrespectful and polemical”.

Bayern's senior players have under performed so far this season
Bayern's senior players have under performed so far this season (Getty)

"When I read about Manuel Neuer then I just have no words. I would like to remind you that Manuel was world goalkeeper of the year four times," said Rummenigge. "Same goes for Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels."

"I don't know if there are special laws for the media but we will not accept this kind of reporting any longer.”

"Today is an important day as we inform you that we will no longer tolerate this derogatory and derisive reporting. We will protect our coach, players and club. It is outrageous, disrespectful and polemical."

Bayern won their sixth successive league title last season under Jupp Heynckes
Bayern won their sixth successive league title last season under Jupp Heynckes (Getty)

Rummenigge went on to claim that reporters should expect to receive mails from the club's media lawyer relating to any false or inaccurate articles.

Many have speculated that taking the helm at Bayern Munich might be too big a task for Niko Kovac, who replaced the retiring Jupp Heynckes after the club secured their sixth successive league title.

"Not everything is as grim as it is presented and I also said after our good start this season that not everything was rosy," Kovac said.

"Changing everything now would just be doing it for the sake of change and that never works. You have to stick to your plan.

Arsene Wenger is odds-on to become the next Bayern boss
Arsene Wenger is odds-on to become the next Bayern boss (Getty)

"Throwing everything overboard and inventing something on the spot does not make sense. You will never get that from me.

"We cannot be negative, we want to be positive. But we need that bit of luck. You need it in life and you need it in sport. If we get that, because we have been creating the chances in every game, then it will work for us again."

Arsene Wenger announced he was intending to return to management at the turn of the year and is odds-on to take over at the club which twice sought his services while the Frenchman was at Arsenal.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in