Bayern´s Van Gaal angry at Hoeness barbs

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal on Tuesday slammed criticism of him by club chairman Uli Hoeness, who on Sunday had suggested the Dutchman was difficult to deal with and would not heed advice.

“I am very very disappointed that my chairman could say such things as I think that communication is one of my qualities,” Van Gaal told a press conference ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League match against Romania’s Cluj.

“I am pretty astonished that a chairman could say that at a time when we have nine players out injured,” he added.

“I do not want to contradict someone such as Uli Hoeness, but I find that a man who has such importance for Bayern Munich should know the impact of his comments.”

Hoeness had criticised Van Gaal over how he manages his squad – the recent spate of injuries has seen previous fringe players such as Mario Gomez and Martin Demichelis back in the starting picture and with them back on board Bayern have been moving up the table after the worst start to a season in living memory.

They now stand seventh – but are still ten points behind leaders Dortmund.

In Europe, by contrast, they have won all three of their Champions League matches to date in a competition they reached the final of last season before losing to Inter Milan.