Dortmund deny reports of rift with Germany defender Mats Hummels

Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke insists there is no rift between him and defender Mats Hummels.

The Germany international, reportedly a transfer target for Manchester United and Liverpool earlier this year, has come in for heavy criticism in the country's media.

Hummels publicly criticised several of his team-mates last month and has been accused of having poor relationships with club staff, including Watzke.

But Watzke said: "Everybody gets criticised. Honestly, the massive criticism of the last days is unreasonably high in my opinion.

"Today I read of a problematic relation between Mats and us. But that's definitely not true. Mats Hummels is a very important player for the BVB. He is our captain. I have an excellent relationship with him.

"Sometimes he is not too easy but that does not have to be a disadvantage. He is a  very decent guy. We will support him entirely. There is nothing more to say about it."

Dortmund are second in the Bundesliga after 13 games, but are eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich, who remain unbeaten having won 12 of their 13 matches.