Borussia Dortmund head coach Jürgen Klopp says he can't wait to face Bayern in the Supercup
Borussia Dortmund head coach Jürgen Klopp says he can't wait to face Bayern in the Supercup

Klopp: 'The Supercup means a lot'

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Dortmund - Borussia Dortmund head coach Jürgen Klopp has been busy telling journalists all about the importance and prestige of Wednesday's 2014 Supercup.

'Hugs on Wednesday'

The 47-year-old says the annual competition is anything but your average pre-season appetiser and cannot wait to face a FC Bayern München side spearheaded by former BVB striker Robert Lewandowski.

"The Supercup means a lot," Klopp explained, having overseen the club's fourth curtain-raising triumph in last season's edition against the men from Bavaria. "We're taking it very seriously and we desperately want to win it. Games against Bayern are always special. They're the best team in the world."

Bayern's acquisition of last season's leading Bundesliga marksman has only reinforced the Munich outfit's superlative reputation, but Klopp doesn't hold any grudges following the Pole's decision to swap Signal Iduna Park for the Allianz Arena. "Robert's a great guy," he enthused. "There'll be plenty of hugs on Wednesday."

Ahead of schedule


Topping up his Supercup excitement, Klopp had plenty more to smile about on Monday after newly anointed captain Mats Hummels and his deputy Marco Reus resumed first-team training.

Hummels, who scored two goals at the as Germany became the first European team to lift the trophy in Latin America, wasn't expected back in training until Wednesday following muscular problems, while Reus, who missed the World Cup after tearing ankle ligaments in Germany's 6-1 win over Armenia on 6 June, was initially forecast a three-month lay-off.

Watzke signs on


Dortmund also confirmed on Monday that they have reached an agreement with Hans-Joachim Watzke to extend his contract for a further five years until 2019. In addition to his current role, Watzke's new contract means he takes over responsibility for the Sport, Communications and Sponsorship department.

"Hans-Joachim Watzke has done some extraordinary work over the last few years," said club president Reinhard Rauball. "He has been the architect of the club's recent success, and remains the architect of the present and future of Borussia Dortmund. He will now be responsible for the development of this great club. We are delighted to have such a figure within the leadership."