Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke has denied claims that there has been a rift with star defender Mats Hummels.

It is believed that the Germany international has been criticising his teammates of late and also has a faltering relationship with Watzke and some of the Dortmund staff.

However, the Bundesliga club's chief insists everything is fine with the 26-year-old who was a target for Manchester United and Liverpool in the summer.

"Everybody gets criticised. Honestly, the massive criticism of the last days is unreasonably high in my opinion," said Watzke.

"Today I read of a problematic relation between Mats and us. But that's definitely not true. Mats Hummels is a very important player for the BVB. He is our captain. I have an excellent relationship with him.

"Sometimes he is not too easy but that does not have to be a disadvantage. He is a very decent guy. We will support him entirely. There is nothing more to say about it."