Bayern CEO defends player following Der Kaiser criticism
Franz Beckenbauer
The Bavarians' president had claimed that several members of the squad are only playing at "70 or 80 per cent" but Rummenigge says that his former team-mate is forgetting that their own performance levels dipped on occasion during their own playing careers.
"I can remember that we would often play together in European Cup games on Wednesday and then on Saturday we would be a little tired and sluggish," the ex-Bayern striker told TZ. "So, this is not a modern phenomenon, it used to be about before."
Rummenigge acknowledged, however, that there is no excuse for not putting one's body on the line in each and every game.
"Attitude is something you must always have," the former West Germany international declared. "It is not something that you should have to demand."
Bayern came off second best to Borussia Dortmund in both the Bundesliga and the DFB-Pokal final last term, before losing to Chelsea in the Champions League decider on penalties.
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