„There were differences of opinion“: Eberl talks about difficult time at Bayern | OneFootball

Max Eberl has given Sport BILD a remarkably open insight into his time in charge at FC Bayern so far. The 52-year-old talks about criticism, emotional moments, internal friction and the responsibility of getting the record champions back on track during one of the most difficult phases in the club’s recent history. His words show that Eberl has arrived – and is ready to continue on the path he has taken in the long term.

Just a few months ago, Eberl was the subject of massive criticism, both internally and externally. Even patron Uli Hoeneß was unusually outspoken at the time. When asked when the honorary president last praised him, Eberl now replies: „We met before our AGM and Uli emphasized that he liked our approach.“

This makes it clear how complex the decision-making structures at Säbener Straße are. „It was a process that we all had to go through together,“ he explains, naming Hoeneß, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Jan-Christian Dreesen and Herbert Hainer as central figures.

Despite some „discussions and differences of opinion“, which according to Eberl have certainly occurred in recent months, it was precisely this exchange that brought the club back together. „We know that there will sometimes be different opinions, but above all we know what we have in common.“

Eberl denies thoughts of resigning – resistance as motivation

photo: IMAGO

In the turbulent summer of 2025, reports made the rounds that Eberl was considering an early departure. The sporting director has now clarified that this is out of the question: „I’m a very emotional person, but there was never a moment when I said: I’m done.“

Instead, he describes how headwinds have tended to motivate him: „When I’m challenged, it motivates me, along the lines of: Okay, I’ll carry on and prove that I’m the right man for this job.“

This determination has been a recurring theme throughout his time in office so far – and is also reflected in the way he has dealt with difficult personnel and structural issues.

Kompany as the key – Eberl on the most important decision of his time in office

Looking back, Eberl sees the situation in the summer of 2024 as a critical turning point. „We hadn’t won any titles, not even second place behind Leverkusen. We had no coach and, on top of that, the team as a whole was dissatisfied,“ he says, summarizing the situation at the time.

For him, one decision was therefore paramount: to find a coach who could build a new structure for the long term. „Looking back, the most important thing was to find a very good coach with whom we could develop long-term plans from the outset. We succeeded in doing that with Vincent Kompany, as the recent contract extension until 2029 underlines once again.“

Kompany has not only brought back sporting stability in a very short space of time, but also a clear identity – a foundation on which the entire club is building.

Despite all the challenges, his assessment is positive. „If I had to draw a picture, I would say that a lot of dust was constantly being stirred up during this time and it was essential to focus on the essentials.“ Eberl sees the progress as the joint result of many intensive months – and as proof that the course taken is bearing fruit.