Rummenigge backs coach Van Gaal

Rummenigge backs coach Van Gaal

Published Nov. 26, 2010 7:58 p.m. ET

Bayern Munich coach Louis van Gaal's job is safe despite the team being 14 points behind Bundesliga leader Borussia Dortmund close to the halfway mark of the season, according to club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

"Van Gaal is not wobbling at all," Rummenigge told Saturday's edition of Bild newspaper, which released his comments on Friday.

The support came one day after Van Gaal had a meeting with the board.

"I have a very good relationship with my board," Van Gaal said, describing the discussion as "the best" since he became coach last season.

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Rummenigge said the board remains convinced of Van Gaal's qualities.

"We have to go through this difficult stage together. Anything else would not be Bayern-like. After all, we are still on course in the German Cup and the Champions League," Rummenigge said.

Bayern won the domestic double last season and reached the Champions League final. But the Bundelsiga title now appears out of reach.

"We are much better than last year. Our only problem is Dortmund. Dortmund has opened a bigger gap than Leverkusen at this point last season," Van Gaal said.

Bayern had 21 points after 13 round last season and was six points behind then leader Leverkusen. Now, it has 20 points and is 14 points behind Dortmund.

Van Gaal's team hosts Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

The Dutch coach has been criticized by Bayern president Uli Hoeness for being aloof and difficult to talk to.

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