Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has retracted his earlier claims about Borussia Dortmund’s status in world football.
The former West Germany forward had claimed that the current Bundesliga champions were only significant on a local scale, while his own side are a global force.
His Dortmund counterpart Hans-Joachim Watzke was quick to demand respect from the Bavarians, and the 60-year-old has now insisted that he would never belittle the work of his club’s main rival.
“I would definitely not disparage any of the good work Dortmund do,” the 60-year-old said according to Bild.
Bayern and Dortmund have already met once this season, with Die Schwarzgelben losing 2-1 to the Bavarian giants in the DFL-Super Cup.