There appear to be differing opinions at FC Bayern regarding the work of sporting director Max Eberl. After Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently revealed that he had abstained from voting on Eberl’s contract extension, Uli Hoeneß has now spoken out. The honorary president primarily criticizes the public communications of his longtime colleague and reveals that he, too, had his doubts about Eberl at times.
In an interview with *WELT am Sonntag*, Hoeneß spoke at length about the internal discussions surrounding the 53-year-old sporting director. He made it clear that differing opinions on the supervisory board are generally not a problem for him.
However, the 74-year-old would have preferred that Rummenigge not have publicly addressed his abstention from voting. At the same time, Hoeneß provided interesting insights into the collaboration between Eberl and Bayern’s leadership.
Hoeneß criticizes Rummenigge: “That wasn’t necessary”
When asked about the differing views within the supervisory board, Hoeneß initially responded calmly. “I don’t understand the fuss. We are a very democratic club. Everyone has the right to express their opinion.”
Eberl’s contract extension was approved by a clear majority. Rummenigge’s abstention doesn’t change that.
Nevertheless, Hoeneß couldn’t resist taking a dig at his longtime colleague. “Karl-Heinz abstained from voting. I think it’s a shame that he said that publicly; that wasn’t necessary.”
However, the Bayern boss insists there is no personal rift. “We have different opinions on this matter. But our relationship is completely intact. It’s actually better than ever.”
Bayern executives were dissatisfied with Eberl
Hoeneß’s comments on the earlier criticism of Eberl’s work are particularly interesting. According to him, even the honorary president had occasional reservations about the sporting director’s work. “I, too, was critical of Max for a while; for example, we felt we weren’t being kept well informed, and some contracts were too expensive for us.”
Hoeneß thus confirms that the Bayern leadership’s concerns went beyond just on-field results. Apparently, communication and financial decisions also caused dissatisfaction.
Those in charge therefore sought a direct conversation with Eberl. “Then Karl-Heinz, Herbert Hainer, and I had a conversation with him. Since then, Max has done a good job and has been moving in the right direction.”
From Hoeneß’s perspective, the collaboration has thus improved significantly since that discussion.
The honorary president did not specify which specific contracts those in charge had considered too expensive at the time. Nor did he wish to disclose the exact reasons for Rummenigge’s abstention. The former CEO had explained these internally to the supervisory board.
One thing is certain: Despite earlier criticism, Eberl now enjoys the support of a large majority on Bayern’s supervisory board. Hoeneß believes the sporting director is on the right track, even if there are apparently still differing opinions on individual decisions.