However, former Bayern Munich sporting director and ex-Dortmund midfielder Matthias Sammer has refuted claims that money is the sole blame for German team's recent lacklustre performances.
The former German international told Bild this week: "Our clubs lose against clubs with much lesser financial resources in the Europa League.
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"How would our international prestige be without Bayern and Dortmund? Unfortunately, the Bundesliga lacks the highest quality at the moment. The Bundesliga has to take a look in the mirror. German football should be dealing more with performances instead of hiding behind pretend discussions about money.