Football
Stefan Buczko, Dortmund blogger 8y

Bayern Munich tour of U.S. exceeded expectations - Karl-Heinz Rummenigge

Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has said the club's preseason tour of the US has been a success.

The tour ends with a friendly against Real Madrid in New York on Wednesday (7.30 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and WatchESPN), and Rummenigge told German news agency DPA: "All expectations have been exceeded.

"The team attracts fans. We could see big crowds at the matches in Chicago and Charlotte.

"It was astounding how many fans were wearing Bayern shirts, and I was surprised to see how many supporters we have gained in the USA. It proves that it was the right decision to open an office in New York 2014."

Bayern lost to AC Milan on penalties after a 3-3 draw in Charlotte but beat Inter Milan 4-1 in Charlotte in the International Champions Cup.

Rummenigge, though, stressed that it was important to ensure players were not asked to play too much.

"Thomas [Muller] was the player who played the most matches last season," he said. "He played almost every match for Bayern and the German national team. At Euro 2016, he felt the strain.

"We have to watch out in football that we don't turn the screw too far."

Meanwhile, Rummenigge praised new coach Carlo Ancelotti, saying: "He is a very pleasant guy and an established coach who has won everything at club level.

"And he is not demanding -- after the transfers of Mats Hummels and Renato Sanches I asked him if he still had any wishes. He said no."

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