Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

Bayern Munich wanted to mark the end of Jurgen Klopp's reign at Borussia Dortmund with a gesture of flowers before the sides clashed in the DFB-Pokal semi-final on Tuesday, but Klopp has rejected it.

The Dortmund boss, who has been in charge at Signal Iduna Park since 2008, turned down the rare gesture of friendship between the two clubs because he didn't want to be softened up before the key game.

Per DW Sports:

Bayern had planned to present Klopp with a bunch of flowers before the game, in what has to be the biggest sign of friendship between the clubs in recent times. But Klopp asked for it not to take place. "It's a lovely gesture, but on Tuesday we're looking for a fight," Klopp said. "We don't want to be softened up by flowers."

Bayern have already wrapped up the league this season, while Dortmund have floundered in mid-table.

The loss of key players like Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski Bayern in recent years has done little to help their rivalry stay balanced.

[DW Sports]