Football
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Bundesliga would miss Jurgen Klopp - Bayern CEO Rummenigge

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said the Bundesliga would be worse off without Jurgen Klopp if the Dortmund coach opted to move abroad at the end of the season.

Earlier this month, Klopp announced his decision to quit BVB in the summer, and speaking ahead of the DFB Pokal semifinal between Bayern and Dortmund on Tuesday, Rummenigge said his club would mark his departure.

"[We will see him off] at least with a bouquet. We wish him all the best for the future," he said. "I believe that the Bundesliga will miss him should he move abroad."

Over the past few years, meetings between Dortmund and Bayern have been one of the main reasons for the revival of the German league.

Their clashes have mostly been close, while off-pitch arguments between the clubs have entertained football fans around the globe.

During Klopp's seven-year reign at the Westfalenstadion the clubs have met in three finals, while Dortmund secured back-to-back league titles between Bayern wins in 2010, 2013, and 2014.

"Despite all the skirmishes, I have always had a great deal of respect for the club, and especially for the coach. Jurgen Klopp is a great coach, without a doubt," Rummenigge added. "I regret that he is leaving Dortmund, but I also can understand his decision."

Bayern could welcome defender Medhi Benatia, 28, back into their squad three weeks after he suffered a muscle tear in the quarterfinal at Leverkusen.

The Morocco international has been struggling with muscular injuries since joining last summer, making only 19 appearances.

"I am feeling better. I will return soon, and am already doing a full-scale running routine," Benatia said. "It's possible that I will be back against Dortmund. I will try for it."

On Thursday, Bayern announced that defender Holger Badstuber would miss the remainder of the season and undergo surgery after suffering a muscular injury in his left thigh during the 6-1 Champions League win over Porto on Tuesday.

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