Bayern's Hummels dismisses Matthaus' criticism of Dortmund visit

Mats Hummels waved away Lothar Matthaus' criticism of his pre-match visit to his former Borussia Dortmund side's dressing room before Saturday's Klassiker.

The centre-back joined Bayern Munich from Dortmund in the summer, but opted to see old friends before his new employer fell to a 1-0 defeat at the Westfalenstadion.

Related: Dortmund tops Bayern Munich in feisty Klassiker

"I don't care about criticism," Hummels, 27, is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail's Kit Holden before defending Bayern's loss. "It won't be shown in the highlights, but we were finding good space, and had we played diagonal passes at certain times, then we would have had more big chances."

Bayern and Germany great Matthaus had suggested that Hummels mind should have been primarily on preparation for the rivals' tilt, rather than catching up with pals.

"I would not forbid Mats Hummels if I was the present coach, but would suggest that (takes place) after the game," Matthaus told Sky, as reported by ESPN FC. "Before the game, the concentration should be on the game and not the old friendships."

Old friendship doesn't exist in the stands of Dortmund's home anymore. Despite skippering the side to two Bundesliga titles over an eight-year span, the Yellow Wall is unforgiving for Hummels letting his contract run down at the end of last season to leave for Bayern on a free transfer.

There are former teammates that were delighted to renew acquaintances, though.

"Mats is a good friend, I like him a lot," said Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki. "He helped me a lot when I first came to Dortmund. The most important thing is the friendship off the pitch. I was very happy to see him."

Bayern's dropped points in North Rhine-Westphalia means surprise package RB Leipzig holds a three-point cushion atop the division after 11 matches.