Van Gaal hits back at Hoeness criticism

Van Gaal, who only months ago steered Bayern to a domestic league and Cup double and into the Champions League final in his first season in Munich, said Hoeness's comments over the weekend had been harsh.

"I do not want to contradict a man like Uli Hoeness as I have been at the club only a year and three months... but I feel a man with such importance for Bayern must be aware of the consequences of his statements," Van Gaal told reporters after arriving in Romania ahead of Wednesday's Champions League game against CFR Cluj.

"I am disappointed, very disappointed that my president says things like that about me. I always felt communication was one of my strong points," said the coach, who signed a contract extension to 2012 in late September.

"I am also surprised he would say these things now, at a difficult time when we have nine players injured."

Bayern issued a brief statement, soon after Van Gaal's comments, saying the two men had a frank discussion that included club CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and other Bayern officials to clear the air.

"At the end of the discussion Uli Hoeness and Louis van Gaal shook hands and agreed to work responsibly together in the future for the good of the club," Bayern said.