Karl-Heinz Rummenigge gives support to Pep Guardiola

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has hit back at the criticism which has been aimed at Bayern Munich head coach Pep Guardiola in recent days.

The Bayern chief executive believes that the 5-0 aggregate defeat to Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals should not change how the Spaniard is viewed by the club's supporters, who he believes are lucky to see him in charge of the team.

"Not one piece of paper can fit between Pep Guardiola and the entirety of Bayern," Rummenigge told reporters. "He is a very great, very successful coach, with a clear philosophy and vision, and also a wonderful man. We can all count ourselves fortunate he opted for Bayern.

"There has been a bucket-load of malice in the last few days. We have been outstanding with this system and these players this season.

"A defeat in the Champions League does not make it all bad. There is no shame, and certainly no drama."

Guardiola insisted on Friday that he would not change his style following the loss to Madrid.