For the longest time, it seemed that Bayern Munich’s Max Eberl could depart upon the expiry of his contract in 2027. Despite making some excellent transfers, there were a number of reports that detailed how Bayern’s top brass were critical of his communication and interpersonal skills. Uli Hoeneß’ already infamous statement about Eberl’s chances of a renewal being 60-40 just served to pour more oil on the fire. But things changed throughout the course of the summer and the former Borussia Mönchengladbach
sporting director recently earned a contract extension through 2029.
Why, though? What exactly changed?
These were questions Tz sought to find answers from by interviewing Bayern president Herbert Hainer. As captured by @iMiaSanMia, Hainer was asked how much of a fight it was to retain Eberl.
“I wouldn’t describe it as a fight,” the former Adidas CEO responded. “FC Bayern places great importance on continuity and stability, and that was also decisive when looking at the entire Executive Board and our decision on the Supervisory Board: Jan-Christian Dreesen has been a member of our Executive Board since 2013, Max Eberl has known the club since his time in the youth setup here, and Rouven Kasper, our Executive Board member for Marketing & Sales, had already worked for us before his subsequent move to the Executive Board of VfB Stuttgart. Two years ago, the Supervisory Board decided that FC Bayern’s Executive Board should consist of three people, each with clearly defined areas of responsibility tailored to them. And with the current setup, we are heading in absolutely the right direction. It brings together experience, the Bayern DNA and a sense of optimism about the future.”
TZMuenchen continued to ask about Eberl, though, this time wishing to know what changed about Eberl’s work. Has becoming more transparent with the supervisory board helped his case? Hainer did not deny the latter question at all:
“It is part and parcel of running a major club like FC Bayern that things are sometimes addressed critically,” Hainer answer instead (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “The fact is that the Supervisory Board trusts Max Eberl to tackle the challenges ahead in line with the club’s high standards. We are very satisfied, not least with the current transfer window.”
BFW Analysis
It is perhaps not a sign of the greatest faith in an employee if the primary reason for keeping him is to establish some continuity. But Bayern are not the kind of club to retain someone they do not trust, either, which Hainer proved with his line about trusting Eberl. There is no doubt Eberl will continue to be under the microscope for the coming years, but that is always to be expected at FC Hollywood.
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