Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp plans to shatter Bayern Munich’s dreams of a treble-winning season in tonight’s DFB Pokal semi-final clash.
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The 47-year-old brings Dortmund to Munich’s Allianz Arena for the last time as Borussia coach having announced he will quit at the end of the season after seven years in charge.
Klopp wants to bow out with one last title and only holders Bayern stand in the way of a final appearance on May 30 in Berlin.
Pep Guardiola’s Bavarians are bidding to repeat their 2013 treble having already captured the league title on Sunday for the 25th time.
Bayern had planned to present Klopp with a bouquet before kick-off after his side won the 2011 and 2012 Bundesliga titles before finishing as runners-up to Bayern for the last two seasons.
Thomas Muller celebrated Bayern Munich’s third straight Bundesliga title in typical fashion yesterday. https://t.co/vup8y06LWr
— Marathonbet (@marathonbet) April 27, 2015
But the 47-year-old is more interested in giving Bayern a proverbial black eye than picking up a floral tribute.
“It’s a very nice gesture, but on Tuesday we’ll be spoiling for a fight and we don’t want to weaken ourselves with flowers,” said Klopp.
Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has spoken to Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and the presentation will now be done after the game.
“We are in the decisive phase of the season – and not in farewell mode,” said Watzke.
Rummenigge explained his reason for the flowers as he was presented with some in 1984 on his final appearance at Dortmund bef-ore he moved from Bayern to Inter Milan.
“I have no problem with that and can understand where they are coming from,” said the Bayern boss.
Bayern hope to welcome back Arjen Robben from injury, while Dortmund will have Australia goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak between the posts.
Their treble-chasing means Bayern are playing a game every three or four days but said: “We are extremely determined to reach the final. When you are in your rhythm, you have to use the momentum.”
