Borussia Dortmund managing director for sport Lars Ricken feels that Bayern Munich don't perceive his team as a real opponent recently and wants to change that perception. Speaking of their recent matches with the German record champions, Ricken told Wednesday's Sport Bild weekly: "They were very lighthearted gatherings, but that was also because Bayern didn't perceive us as rivals last season due to our performance.
Borussia Dortmund managing director for sport Lars Ricken feels that Bayern Munich don't perceive his team as a real opponent recently and wants to change that perception.
Speaking of their recent matches with the German record champions, Ricken told Wednesday's Sport Bild weekly: "They were very lighthearted gatherings, but that was also because Bayern didn't perceive us as rivals last season due to our performance. We have to earn that friction again."
Dortmund, usually a title contender, finished the previous season in fourth and 25 points behind champions Bayern. Ahead of Saturday's Bundesliga top clash in Munich, Dortmund are second in the standings and four points behind the Bavarians.
"You have to be honest: internationally, in the Champions League, Bayern and Dortmund carry the heavy burden of the Bundesliga. No other club represents the (German) top tier as these two clubs," Ricken said.
He also spoke about the criticism over the signing of coach Niko Kovac, who was hired in January to replace Nuri Sahin. Back then, Dortmund were 11th in the table.
"That was curious. Initially I was criticized because I hired him. After he sensationally led us to the Champions League, we weren't fast enough to extend his contract. Once we did that, it was too early," Ricken said.
But he stressed that it was important for him to have some clarity during the season.
"And I won't be repeatedly asked: 'What about Niko's contract?' And he simply deserved it. We have to say: Niko is delivering," Ricken said.
Category: General Sports
