Bayern Munich beset by discord with Max Eberl cast into the thick of it | Andy Brassell
Sporting director had to play the role of Malcolm Tucker as Uli Hoeness criticised Thomas Tuchel before the big semi-final
Max Eberl was hot property for a reason. In just shy of 15 years at Borussia Mönchengladbach he became one of Europe’s most admired sporting directors, returning one of Germany’s most famous names to prominence through multiple qualifications for the Champions League and Europa League. He built through smart signings and the promotion and development of quality academy products. The only surprise was that it took ill health – which he has thankfully recovered from – to shift him from his post rather than the overtures of one of the continent’s giants.
His experience and his clarity of thought is clear, with his work having spoken for itself over a number of years. The 50-year-old has also ridden out bumps in his career path, such as the venomous reaction of some Gladbach supporters to his choice to join RB Leipzig, and then Leipzig’s decision to abruptly part ways with him in September last year when they felt he was flirting with the possibility of work elsewhere.