Max Eberl is leaving Borussia Mönchengladbach for health reasons. The 48-year-old stops as sports director of the twelfth place in the Bundesliga – the club’s sporting crisis is not decisive. At a very emotional press conference on Friday in Borussia Park, Eberl announced his decision in tears. “I have to draw a line. I have to get out, I have to take care of people,” he said, visibly moved and moved.
Again and again Eberl struggled for composure. Before it started, he took a deep breath, hesitating with his first words. “It’s probably by far the hardest press conference I’ve had to hold since I’ve been allowed to be sporting director,” said Eberl.
He is also a very good example of what is happening in the world: “It’s a very simple reason why I can’t work anymore, because I’m tired, because I’m exhausted.” It’s not hurt pride. “I’m ending what my life was.” It was “not a nice day, a stupid day, a crap day,” emphasized Gladbach’s President Rolf Königs.
Eberl leaves Gladbach after more than two decades
Eberl has to leave the club in the middle of the season for health reasons. The club is currently only three points ahead of the relegation rank, was eliminated in the DFB Cup round of 16 against second division side Hannover 96 and lost seven of the last nine competitive games.
The media had already reported on Eberl’s planned resignation on Thursday evening. For the former professional it is an abrupt farewell after a total of more than two decades with his heart club. Eberl worked as a sports director for 13 years. His contract – only extended in 2020 – would have been valid until the end of June 2026.
Most recently, Eberl fueled speculation about himself with an unfocused appearance at a press conference, after which he was on sick leave. He approached the club with his request back in October.
After years of praise and sporting success – last season Borussia had reached the round of 16 of the Champions League – the club has been increasingly criticized in recent months. The early departure of coach Marco Rose to Borussia Dortmund after last season, the squad for this season, and the previously non-igniting Rose successor Adi Hütter, brought from Eintracht Frankfurt for 7.5 million euros, offered a target for attack. In addition, there were already confirmed departures of Matthias Ginter and Denis Zakaria in the summer, which are free of charge.
