Wait a minute, isn’t FC Bayern currently historically strong and considered one of the big favorites for the Champions League title in Europe? Isn’t even the triple possible in Munich? Doesn’t the beginning of spring increase your feelings of happiness?

Despite all their success, Bayern’s Eberl doubts are irritating

On the carpeted floor at Säbener Straße 51, dissatisfaction and doubts about the 52-year-old are apparently growing. In “Sport-Bild”, Bayern reporter Christian Falk recently reported on the “unease” of the Bavarians’ power over a possible contract extension with Eberl. The chances are 50:50. Eberl’s working paper is currently valid until 2027.

Lothar Matthäus was also surprised that the club management had not yet taken action. “Why is FC Bayern taking so long?” he asked Sky. “If you’re happy with Max Eberl, you could actually extend it.”

The Bayern bosses’ doubts are surprising when looking at their successes. Under the direction of Eberl, a potential triple squad was finally created. Nevertheless, skepticism is right and appropriate at this point in time – because many of the successes during Eberl’s time in Munich can only be partially attributed to him.

If Eberl doesn’t get a new contract by the summer, he would be a lame duck. How can a sports director with a short-term contract convince new players with long-term visions? Bayern have to decide beforehand.

Eberl is clumsy when dealing with his bosses

But where do the doubts actually come from? According to “Sport-Bild”, the Bayern bosses are chafing at Eberl’s leadership style and his poor communication. The sports director does not sufficiently involve his bosses in important decision-making processes and allows himself to go it alone too much.

That’s clumsy, to be sure. The big and difficult-to-satisfy egos of those in power in Bavaria are well known. However, the basis of trust is not irreparably damaged. Nothing that couldn’t be fixed.

However, it is difficult to evaluate his work even after more than two years in office. At Eberl, successes and failures go hand in hand.

Eberl’s balance sheet after two years as sports director

• The search for a coach in 2024 with so many public rejections was embarrassing and undignified, but ultimately Eberl hit the jackpot in Vincent Kompany.
• He was able to retain pillars like Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala, Dayot Upamecano, Serge Gnabry and Alphonso Davies, but the negotiations sometimes dragged on for months – and were carried out intensively in public.
• The high-paying contracts were viewed critically by the club’s management, but on the other hand, he was able to reduce the salary structure through the departures of Leroy Sané and Kingsley Coman. Leon Goretzka may also soon be removed from the payroll.
• The top signings of Michael Olise and Jonathan Tah are thanks to him – but he also has to take responsibility for the undignified end of club icon Thomas Müller.
• The desired transfers of Florian Wirtz and Nick Woltemade were messed up – and not just by Eberl. But a big reinforcement came in Luis Diaz. And if one of the DFB stars had come to Munich, shooting star Lennart Karl would not have been able to develop like he did.

Why Eberl is not untouchable despite his successes

Bayern and Eberl were partly forced to their luck. But does that devalue the work of the sports director? Luck is too often interpreted negatively; after all, Kompany, Diaz and Olise didn’t just fall into his lap without his own input.

Nevertheless, an unflattering picture often emerged. Therefore, despite all his successes, Eberl is not considered untouchable.

The doubts are surprising given the timing, but correct. And they don’t mean that Eberl won’t gain the trust of his bosses for long-term cooperation.