Max Eberl is sending out signals – and not by chance. While FC Bayern are chasing sporting records, the sporting director is working behind the scenes on squad planning for the summer. In the BILD podcast„Bayern Insider“, it has now become clear that Eberl’s public statements about players from other clubs are no coincidence, but part of a clear strategy
Max Eberl is not considered a sports director who speaks lightly about players from other clubs, which is why his recent statements in which he specifically praised players who are not under contract with FC Bayern were followed all the more closely. Most recently, this was Cologne’s shooting star Said El Mala
In the „Bayern Insider“ podcast, Christian Falk clearly classifies this behavior: „When you praise someone like that publicly, it’s always a sign,“ explained the BILD soccer boss and made it clear that such statements are very carefully calculated internally
Eberl is aware of the effect of his words – not only on the player himself, but also on those around him. Public praise from FC Bayern’s sporting director is a form of appreciation that is not underestimated in professional soccer. Falk puts it in a nutshell in the podcast: „He’s already doing a bit of advertising for the transfer.“ This is precisely the subtlety of this strategy. Bayern deliberately refrains from making loud transfer announcements, instead sending targeted signals that are intended to reach the player without taking any formal action
Tobi Altschäffl adds to this assessment and points out that Eberl also takes possible tensions with the transferring club into account. „This kind of public appreciation is no coincidence,“ says Altschäffl. Eberl consciously accepts that such statements are not always well received by the clubs concerned – an approach reminiscent of previous transfer methods at Säbener Straße
Learning from Hoeneß – and looking ahead to the summer
Falk even draws a historical parallel, saying that Eberl „learned a bit from Hoeneß“ in his public communication. This refers to the old Bayern school of deliberately accepting the displeasure of other clubs in order to gain an emotional advantage with the player himself. The aim is clear: to build sympathy, create trust, influence decision-making processes – long before concrete negotiations begin
This approach fits in with FC Bayern’s current transfer philosophy. Instead of hectic action, the focus is on preparation, patience and psychological sensitivity. This is crucial, especially with a view to the summer. Bayern wants to make targeted additions without unnecessarily inflaming the market. Public signals often replace the first phone call
Eberl’s praise should therefore be seen less as a coincidence and more as an invitation. An invitation to the player to come to terms with the idea of FC Bayern. At the same time, the club remains formally clean, avoids accusations of unauthorized contact and maintains control over the process.