adminBayern Munich wanted to mark the end of Jurgen Klopp’s reign at Borussia Dortmund with a gesture of flowers before the sides clashed in the DFB-Pokal semi-final yesterday, but Klopp has rejected it.The Dortmund boss, who has been in charge at Signal Iduna Park since 2008, turned down the rare gesture of friendship between the two clubs because he didn’t want to be softened up before the key game.
Bayern had planned to present Klopp with a bunch of flowers before the game, in what has to be the biggest sign of friendship between the clubs in recent times. But Klopp asked for it not to take place.
“It’s a lovely gesture, but on Tuesday we’re looking for a fight,” Klopp said. “We don’t want to be softened up by flowers.”
Bayern have already wrapped up the league this season, while Dortmund have floundered in mid-table.
The loss of key players like Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski to Bayern in recent years has done little to help their rivalry stay balanced.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will face Barcelona as part of their four-match US tour this year, the club said yesterday.
The 20-times English champions are to play the Spanish side at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on July 25.
Louis van Gaal’s United will be taking part in the International Champions Cup that will conclude against Paris St Germain in Chicago on July 29.- Supersport.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter