FC Bayern Munich: Eberl delighted with praise from the club’s management

Max Eberl watched FC Bayern’s public training session at the 2002 World Cup stadium with a relaxed air. With one foot propped up on a table at the edge of the pitch, the sporting director observed coach Vincent Kompany preparing the star-studded squad for their third preseason friendly on Tuesday (1 p.m. CEST) against Jeju SK. Shortly before, the 52-year-old had received praise from club patron Uli Hoeneß and president Herbert Hainer, as well as from Kompany, who commended Eberl’s approach to three potential transfers.

The fact that Eberl was repeatedly wiping sweat from his brow on the terrace of the team’s elegant hotel the previous evening, as the sun set, certainly had nothing to do with Hainer’s comments, but rather with the sweltering heat.

Hainer: I think that’s what Uli meant

After honorary president Hoeneß spoke of a “perfect transfer window,” Hainer, as chairman of the supervisory board, agreed. “I assume that’s what Uli meant, that we are very satisfied with the current transfer window,” said the 72-year-old.

Unlike Hoeneß a few days earlier at Tegernsee, Hainer was more reserved regarding the extension of the contract, which expires in the summer of 2027. “I am convinced that the supervisory board will make a good decision in due course. I should add that the same applies to Jan-Christian Dreesen, whose contract extension is pending and with whose work we are equally satisfied,” said Hainer. Dreesen’s contract also runs until the summer of 2027.

A few days earlier, when asked about the likelihood of an extension with Eberl, Hoeneß had said: “At the moment, I think it’s one hundred percent.” There was also a positive assessment of his transfer work.

“I’m not such a bad choice”

“Of course, I was very pleased with the words on Thursday, I make no secret of that. It’s always nice to hear praise,” said Eberl. “I’m trying to do my job at Bayern Munich, trying to convince the people who make the decisions that I’m not such a bad choice. In the end, the supervisory board will decide.”

Hoeneß seems to have made up his mind. It’s unknown how the other members of the board, which includes numerous business leaders and long-time Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, plan to proceed. “If they want to continue, I’m ready to talk,” said Eberl, who has been in office since March 2024.

The supervisory board will decide this year how things will proceed with the top management position. There was speculation about a decision in August. However, there are also strong indications that it will be made in November.

Eberl with Kompany motto

In any case, there are increasingly strong indications of a contract extension. “As they say, don’t believe the hype, don’t believe the drama. I’m just doing my job,” Eberl said casually, using the motto that Kompany is so fond of. In other words: don’t let yourself be guided by the notorious hype of the football business.

The club’s management is pleased with this summer’s transfer balance. German international Nathaniel Brown (Eintracht Frankfurt) and Moroccan World Cup participant Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven) were signed for transfer fees of around €50 million each. In addition, the record champions sold fringe players for well over €30 million.

That leaves the three returning loanees João Palhinha, Sacha Boey (both under contract until 2028), and Bryan Zaragoza (until 2029), whom the club would like to offload. Firstly, the transfer fees would create room for further personnel decisions, and secondly, the club would get these three players, who are no longer part of the squad, off the payroll.

Kompany Welcomes Eberl’s Approach

“I think it’s positive that the club is communicating clearly with the players. As a player, I would have wanted that back then, too. The club has made a clear statement, so we’re on the same page,” said the coach at his first preseason press conference. Before he could enjoy an artfully crafted cake in the shape of the stadium, he also emphasized his approach to the trio.

“The most important thing is that we treat them with respect. We’re naturally continuing to work with them as normal,” said Kompany. “Until the transfer window closes, there’s a clear position – and after that, we’ll have to see what happens, as in everything else in life. But my job is to coach the team and prepare them as well as possible for the season.”

New Movements at the End of August?

Eberl hopes that there will be plenty of activity in the transfer market during the month. If the clubs were to review their squads at the end of August, it could lead to further changes in the team, said the 52-year-old. We’ll just have to wait and see.