Max Eberl Reflects on a Thrilling First Year at FC Bayern München
Max Eberl has a lot to celebrate as he looks back on his first year as Sporting Director of FC Bayern München. "Intense, exciting, thrilling, league leaders, Champions League knockout stage," is how Eberl briefly summed up his tenure on the sidelines of Bayern’s Champions League trip to Celtic Glasgow. The German football giants are aiming to build a solid foundation for the second leg in Munich’s Allianz Arena next Tuesday.
"It’s fun and exciting, but it’s also emotionally draining. I do everything I do with passion," Eberl said about his first year. He added, "I can begleiten the entire journey, protect it, and be there when I’m needed."
FC Bayern announced Eberl’s appointment on February 26 last year, and he took up his duties on March 1. The former Bayern player had previously worked for RB Leipzig and Borussia Mönchengladbach. For Eberl,Bayern’s absence in the Champions League round of 16, which begins in early March, is not an option.
"It will be emotional, very loud, with huge support for Celtic. We have to bring our footballing qualities to the pitch, then we have the quality to win," said the 51-year-old. "But Celtic is a team that has not lost in 22 competitive games."
Eberl succeeded Hasan Salihamidzic in Munich, whom the German football giants parted ways with, along with former CEO Oliver Kahn.
In the Bundesliga, Bayern, who were dethroned by Bayer Leverkusen last season, are league leaders with an eight-point lead over their rivals. The direct clash is scheduled for Saturday. In the Champions League, they aim to overcome Celtic Glasgow in the play-off round and advance to the round of 16. However, in the DFB Cup, Bayern, coached by Vincent Kompany, was eliminated in the round of 16 by Bayer.
Eberl’s Arrival and Impact
Eberl’s arrival in Munich marked a significant shift in Bayern’s sporting strategy. The club had been facing criticism for its perceived lack of direction under Salihamidzic. Eberl, with his reputation for developing young talent and building successful teams, was seen as the ideal candidate to steer Bayern into a new era.
Eberl’s impact has been immediate. He has played a key role in Bayern’s resurgence in the Bundesliga, helping the team reclaim the league title after a disappointing campaign last season. Under Eberl’s guidance, Bayern have also reached the knockout stages of the Champions League, albeit via the play-off round.
Challenges and Aspirations
Despite Bayern’s recent successes, Eberl acknowledges that there are still challenges ahead. The team’s Champions League campaign is far from secure, and they face a tough battle to retain their Bundesliga title.
"It’s not always easy to be an FC Bayern player," Eberl said. "The pressure is immense, and the expectations are sky-high."
Nevertheless, Eberl remains optimistic about the future. He is confident that Bayern has the squad and the quality to overcome any obstacles and achieve their goals.
"We want to be successful in all competitions," Eberl said. "We want to win the Bundesliga, the Champions League, and the DFB Cup. We want to be the best team in Germany and one of the best teams in the world."
Conclusion
Max Eberl’s first year at FC Bayern München has been a whirlwind of emotions and achievements. He has successfully navigated the challenges of leading one of the world’s biggest clubs and has helped Bayern rediscover their winning ways. As the season enters its crucial stages, Eberl and Bayern will be determined to continue their success and add more silverware to their illustrious history.
