Hummels deserves respect

Mats Hummels doesn’t deserve a hostile reception from Borussia Dortmund fans despite announcing that he wants to join to Bayern Munich on Thursday, says Dortmund president and CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke.

Hummels, whose BVB contract expires in the summer of 2017, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former teammates Mario Gӧtze and Robert Lewandowski and join the German champions.

“I’d be delighted if the disappointment of the BVB supporters isn’t expressed through hostility towards Mats Hummels. He certainly would not deserve such treatment after eight and a half years in the midst of an incredible story at the club," Watzke told Dortmund’s official website.

“Additionally we are currently on a home stretch with promising prospects. In terms of total points, this could still be the best BVB season of all time and we can still bring the DFB cup home in the final against Bayern Munich on May 21.“

Watzke also defended Hummels’s conduct, claiming he has "been open and completely honest“ throughout the process.

“I can understand the disappointment of many of the fans, it’s exactly the same for me," Watzke said. "Yet it’s very important to make it clear that Mats has behaved impeccably. He has always been open and completely honest with us.“

Although Hummels has made his intention clear, no fee has been agreed and any transfer seems some way off. Dortmund are thought to want between 30 and 40 million euros for the player. Hummels does not have a buyout clause written into his Dortmund contract.

“There have been no new developments," Watzke confirmed. "Mandatory requirements for a transfer would be that Bayern Munich meets our demands. But to be perfectly honest, I can’t see that happening just yet.“

Thomas Tuchel looking for quick solution

Watzke's comments come on the same day that Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel made his feelings clear, stating that he understood Hummels' decision and hoped the situation would be cleared up sooner rather than later.

Speaking for the first time about the German international's desire to move to Bayern in a press conference on Thursday, Tuchel said although he was saddened by his captain’s decision, he would continue to select the center back as long as he was at Dortmund.

"(I’m) glad Hummels’ intentions are out in the open now. In sporting terms it is a disappointment," Tuchel said. "We have to accept that there is a category of clubs that are above us and Bayern are among these clubs."

The 42-year-old Dortmund coach said Hummels’ potential departure wouldn’t disrupt his squad: “nobody has their heads down.”

If Dortmund fail to win, Bayern will be confirmed as champions. The Munich club will win the title anyway if they beat Borussia Mönchengladbach at the Allianz Arena, regardless of BVB’s result. As well as competing for the Bundesliga title, Borussia Dortmund will meet Bayern Munich in the German Cup final on May 21 in Berlin.