Eberl looking to steer Bayern back to calmer waters

Max Eberl might be facing the biggest challenge of his career after being appointed Bayern Munich's board member of sport by the club's supervisory board.

From March 1 onwards, the 50-year-old will be tasked with steering the wavering Bavarian ship back to steady waters.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach and RB Leipzig sporting director has signed a contract until 2027.

Stormy times took hold of the 2020 treble winners after the resignation of club icons Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Uli Hoeness in 2019 followed by a turbulent interlude of Oliver Kahn and Hasan Salihamidzic.

Jamal Musiala (top) of Bayern Munich vies with Amadou Haidara of RB Leipzig during the German first division Bundesliga football match between Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig in Munich, Germany, Feb. 24, 2024. (Photo by Philippe Ruiz/Xinhua)

After the noisy departure of Kahn and Salihamidzic in 2023, Bayern failed to return to a prudent business policy due to several changes in the club's hierarchy and internal power struggles.

Now, Eberl is slipping into the role of rescue worker, along with the expectation of leading the side back to success and creating a similarly successful era as Hoeness and Rummenigge managed to establish.

Three different coaches over recent years in Hansi Flick, Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel might tell the story of the reigning German champions' malaise. Last week it was revealed that Tuchel would depart in the summer, as the club faces the prospect of a first trophy-less season since 2012.

Eberl not only has to secure a steady future for the club, but the former defender must find a suitable replacement for Tuchel.

"We are convinced he will design and shape a successful future for the club," president Herbert Hainer said in an official club announcement.

Bayern are paying a reported 4.5 million euros in compensation to Leipzig for the termination of Eberl's contract. Eberl had left Leipzig last year.

Simultaneously the club announced slimming down its board from four to three people. Chairman Dreesen spoke about greater quality and competence, allowing for quicker decisions.

Eberl's engagement is a desired solution for Hoeness, who, together with Rummenigge, remains an influential figure.

While reports speak of current Bayer Leverkusen coach and former Bayern, Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso as the first choice as new coach, former Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane and Stuttgart's Sebastian Hoeness are also mentioned as possible candidates.

Reports speak of fundamental changes in Bayern's squad as sporting setbacks this season have caused unrest, with talk of the end of a successful era and an inevitable re-launch.

Eberl is the one who has to manage the challenging job together with sporting director Christoph Freund.

The new board member said a return to the club where he started his playing career feels like a homecoming.