Rummenigge defends Bayern work rate

18 July 2012 04:25

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has defended Bayern Munich's players from accusation they have not been giving everything for the cause.

Bayern president and former player Franz Beckenbauer has accused several members of the squad of only playing at "70 or 80 percent" of their capacity.

But Rummenigge says his former team-mate is forgetting their own performance levels dipped on occasion during their stellar 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, there is no excuse for not putting your body on the line in each and every game.

"Attitude is something you must always have," the former West Germany international said.

"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 on penalties in the Champions League final.