"Not always on the same page": Eberl on his relationship with Uli Hoeneß | OneFootball

After Uli Hoeneß’s clear transfer statement, the relationship between him and Max Eberl has once again come into focus. Now, the sporting director has commented on the matter.

In an interview with Sky, Eberl addressed the collaboration with the honorary president—and emphasized above all the positive basic attitude despite occasional differences. “Uli Hoeneß is a great person, a tremendous role model, someone who has shaped this club,” he said.

Differing opinions, he said, are part of constructive cooperation. “It’s normal that we don’t always agree; these differences and discussions ultimately lead to good solutions for the future,” said the 51-year-old.

Eberl also rated the transfer activities so far as successful: “I think we have achieved a lot during the transfer window, such as reducing the squad size, rejuvenating the team, lowering salary costs, and generating income through sales. Now we have the opportunity to sign another player on loan. We’re trying to do what’s possible.”

Clear Supervisory Board Statement Creates Tension

The background to the current discussions is a decision by the supervisory board, which, according to the Süddeutsche Zeitung, no longer allows any permanent transfers in this transfer window—from now on, only loans are to be made. This strategic line was recently communicated publicly and enforced internally by Uli Hoeneß. It particularly affects the sporting management, who now have to look for solutions in the midst of a heated transfer phase. According to reports, this directive came as quite a surprise to sporting director Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund.

At the press conference before the match against Leipzig, Eberl had already hinted that he does not learn about such directives through the media. “What Uli says publicly is also discussed internally. I don’t find out about it through the media,” he made clear. Shortly afterwards came the confirmation: “The club has decided that we want to save money. We sold Kingsley Coman and couldn’t sign Nick Woltemade. That’s why I’ve been tasked with bringing in a player on loan.”

Limited Options Despite Pressure to Act

The decision to exercise financial restraint did not come from the sporting department, but was made in the strategic environment around Hoeneß and Rummenigge. For Eberl and sporting director Christoph Freund, this means acting with limited resources—despite injury problems and personnel shortages. “Now we have to get creative and find a solution,” Eberl continued. According to Sky, the preferred solution remains Christopher Nkunku, but Chelsea is demanding a permanent transfer fee—too much for Bayern under the current conditions.

In the long term, FC Bayern is already planning beyond this transfer window. Numerous contracts expire in the summer of 2026, which could allow for a major squad overhaul. Until then, more players from the club’s own campus are expected to get their chance—as a transitional solution on the way back to greater financial flexibility.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.