Bayern's actions chill ties with Dortmund ahead of clash
Dortmund irate over Goetze's defection and Hoeness' remarks ahead of today's clash
Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has admitted relations between his club and Bayern Munich are far from cordial as the Bundesliga rivals prepare to meet today in a rehearsal for the Champions League final.
With Bayern having already won the league and Dortmund second in the table, the match at Borussia's Signal Iduna Park stadium is no more than a warm-up for the Wembley final on May 25.
But relations between Germany's top two clubs are strained despite the promise of a first European Cup showpiece involving two German teams.
"I have always spoken with a lot of respect and admiration for Bayern. But that has cooled. There are a few irritations now," said Watzke after Borussia beat Real Madrid 4-3 on aggregate in their Champions League semi-final to reach the final.
After news broke last Tuesday that Germany star Mario Goetze, 20, has invoked a release clause in his Borussia contract to join Bayern in July for a reported €37 million (HK$377 million), there is little love lost between Dortmund and the Bavarians.
Watzke insisted there was no animosity between the clubs, however, the Bayern delegation have not been invited as usual to dine with their Dortmund counterparts, and will be greeted "with a handshake".