October 22 – Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has launched an unprecedented attack on the media for their criticism of the German giants, even citing the country’s constitution.
In a heated press conference ahead of the weekend game with Wolfsburg, Rummenigge delivered a furious lecture accusing journalists and pundits of disrespect and ‘indecent’ reporting.
After Bayern under-pressure manager Niko Kovac had delivered his pre-match comments, Rummenigge took to the floor to launch lambast the press for its savage treatment of the club this season.
At the time he spoke, Bayern – who have won the Bundesliga for the past six seasons – were sixth after seven games but beat Wolfsburg to climb to fourth and break a four-game winless streak.
“We will no longer accept this recent kind of media coverage,” said Rummenigge, who also threatened possible legal action should criticism continue. “We have decided we will no longer accept this style of journalism.”
“What we have had to read in recent times has nothing to do with performance, it was a settlement with individual players. Today we will protect our players, our coaches and also the club.
“Today is an important day as we inform you that we will no longer tolerate this derogatory and derisive reporting.”
Bayern’s 2014 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has come in for particular criticism and Rummenigge said: “I have no words for what I have read about Manuel Neuer. I would like to remind you that Manuel was world goalkeeper of the year four times.
“And if I have to read that our central defenders Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng play ‘old men football’, I think: ‘Come on, guys, I want to remind you of article 1 of the constitution – the dignity of a person is unassailable’.”
Cona