Things are going almost perfectly at FC Bayern in sporting terms – but behind the scenes there is a lot of turmoil. At the center of the internal tensions is Chief Sports Officer Max Eberl, whose management style is being increasingly scrutinized
While the Munich team is rushing from success to success on the pitch and can even dream of a treble, a different picture seems to be developing in the boardroom. As BILD head of soccer Christian Falk reports, there is growing internal unease towards Eberl – despite the successful transfer policy with players such as Michael Olise and Luis Díaz
At first glance, there is a lot to be said for Eberl. The new additions have hit the mark, the team is performing at a top level. However, this is precisely where the internal criticism comes in. According to Falk, some managers are asking themselves whether a portion of luck was involved in certain decisions
However, another point is much more serious: the lack of trust within the management team, according to which central figures at FC Bayern do not feel sufficiently involved in decision-making processes
„Eberl doesn’t tell them everything when he makes decisions,“ says Falk. This is a particularly sensitive issue at a club like FC Bayern, where personalities such as Uli Hoeneß and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge traditionally exert a great deal of influence
Going it alone causes resentment
Eberl’s tendency to make quick decisions in particular is apparently causing discussion. This has not only caused internal irritation, but has also raised financial questions in some cases. Some deals have turned out to be more expensive than originally desired
The criticism is aimed less at individual transfers and more at the fundamental management style, with solo efforts not fitting in with the established structure at Säbener Straße, in which coordination and hierarchy play a central role
Triple as a possible turning point
Despite the tense situation, the situation has by no means escalated. Rather, it seems to be heavily dependent on the sporting performance. If FC Bayern actually win the treble this season, Eberl is unlikely to be vulnerable
However, if the really big success does not materialise, the internal discussions could gain momentum. Interesting: A possible solution already seems to be in place at the club. According to Falk, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen and sports director Christoph Freund work very closely and successfully together – a duo that is trusted internally to take on greater responsibility.