Eberl: “We will emerge once again with new-found strength”

Head coach Marco Rose and sporting director Max Eberl spoke to the media during a virtual press conference on Wednesday. In addition to discussing Saturday’s home game against FSV Mainz 05 (15:30 CET), the two also fielded questions about Rose’s decision to leave Borussia at the end of the season.

Sporting director Max Eberl on…

...Marco Rose’s decision: We discussed his decision over the last weeks and months. Marco and I spoke often, as I wanted to know what he was thinking. Marco has made a decision that is in line with his contract. He hasn’t done anything wrong. I’m responsible for the contract that Marco signed with us initially, which includes a release clause. Marco has therefore made a decision that is legitimate and entirely in line with his contract. It was a tough decision for both Marco and myself. Our discussions were extremely emotional, intense, open and transparent. Things will continue in that manner until 30th June. I have a lot of faith in him, and greatly value him. He is an exceptional coach and will continue to give his all for this club. 

...the aftermath of the decision: Before the game against Köln, we’d agreed to meet afterwards to talk, and that a decision would have to be made then. The decision was made that week. Of course I fought to keep Marco, that’s my job. But in the end, it was Marco who told me that he wanted to do something new. That’s understandable. I knew about his decision far in advance of Monday. Reports that Marco came to me on Monday and blindsided me with the news that he wanted to leave are a lie. It’s also not true that the team has completely fallen apart as a result. We informed the team on Monday, like we’d previously agreed upon. It was also already agreed that we would inform the supervisory board and the committees about Marco’s decision that evening. Everything that’s been reported about it being hectic and unorganised is false. The order of events was entirely normal. It upsets me that anger, hate and rage can be fueled by reports that are not true, which isn’t just the case in football, but in society as a whole. 

...changes to the coaching staff: Assistant coaches Alexander Zickler and René Maric, as well as fitness coach Patrick Eibenberger will join Marco Rose at Borussia Dortmund. We will unveil a new coaching team over the summer. 

...his continued trust in Marco Rose: I’m disappointed about Marco’s decision, but I’m also glad that we can still look each other in the eye. We still respect each other. The decision hasn’t driven a wedge between Marco Rose and Max Eberl. I know that Marco holds this club close to his heart and will continue to give his all until his final day, regardless of what club he is moving on to. Therefore, we haven’t given any consideration to removing Marco before then. He’s a great coach. If he leaves the club after two years having ended a successful season, then we should thank him. We still have the chance to achieve great things in three competitions, something that will only work if we act as a team. Despite the disappointment, which I completely understand, I’m nonetheless expecting us to pull through together. 

...a new head coach: The first decision we had to make came on Monday. For me, the priority at the moment is to restore some calm to the situation. We’re still well-positioned when it comes to the current season. We’re competing in three different competitions and have some exciting challenges still to come. Our focus is fully on that. Of course I’m already thinking about which coach could take over as of 1st July, and who could continue to build on what Marco Rose and other past coaches have built at the club. I will go about my job in time, but I definitely won’t be commenting on any names that we have been linked with. As soon as we have made a decision, we will communicate that. 

...the ongoing challenge to replace outgoing personnel: The ongoing project at Borussia Mönchengladbach doesn’t depend on individuals. As soon as a club is dependent on a single coach or a single player, then the club is hanging by a thread. People can come and go, but the same isn’t true for a club. We work on this every day. I understand when people say that they are disappointed. If there’s anyone the fans should be angry with, it’s me, as I accepted the inclusion of a release clause in Marco Rose’s contract. If I hadn’t agreed to it, then we wouldn’t have gotten Marco Rose two years ago. We’ve had plenty of coaches and players leave over the last 12 years. Therefore, I’m a little baffled that people don’t trust that the club will come out of this situation stronger than before. The club has achieved many things over the last years. We’re constantly faced with new challenges. But, I’ve always managed to make good decisions with the people around me. We’ve always managed to emerge from supposed depressions with a new-found strength and embark on new paths. We will manage to do the same thing again this time. Everyone has choices to make in their profession, and they should be allowed to do so. I will continue to give it my all and am confident that we will continue to have people by our side, both on and off the pitch, who will walk this path together with us in future. 

...the influence of the decision on contract negotiations with players: It’s natural that every player wants to know who will be coaching them in the future. That’s entirely understandable. We will continue our ongoing discussions with the players in order to bring them to a happy conclusion. 

Head coach Marco Rose on…

...his decision to join Dortmund in the summer: There was a lot of pressure over the last weeks. In the end, it’s a decision that I made based on a gut feeling, as taking on a new challenge in Dortmund really appeals to me. But, it hasn’t changed my attitude towards my current employer, which is still overwhelmingly positive. I will continue to give it my best here. 

...the decision-making process: I reflected on it a lot and spent a lot of time thinking about it. It was a long process, not something that was decided in two days. I knew what I’d be up against and what to expect now. I had to make a decision to either continue on into my third season with a great club with plenty of ambition, or to take on a new challenge in Dortmund. Believe me, it was by no means an easy decision.

...the reaction from the team: We first informed the staff on Monday, before telling the team. For me, it was important to let the people in that circle know first, because they’re the ones I deal with the most. It was the hardest part for me. Max started off the discussion and I continued it. The mood was very calm and collected. My relationship with the lads is very transparent and healthy. Of course there were players who were disappointed or perhaps a little sad, but there are also some who now see the chance for a new start. 

...the remainder of the season: I really enjoy being at Borussia Mönchengladbach and would like to continue my work here until the summer, because I hold everyone here in high esteem. I know that from now on, every negative result and every goal we concede will be greatly scrutinised, but I think I’m well prepared for that. 

...the reaction from the fans: I can completely understand the disappointment from the fans to a point, but I’d rather they be disappointed than for them to be happy to see me leave. I’ve made a personal decision that concerns my future. I’ve always given my best here and will continue to do so until the summer. There will be no conflict of interest for me. I’m glad that there are a few people here at the club who know me well enough to assess this correctly. 

...the upcoming Bundesliga game against Mainz: Bo Svensson has revived Mainz of late. They are playing very aggressively and with a lot of power up front, while also being compact and making every step count. That’s always been something that’s defined Mainz. There’s something very positive emerging there again. However, on Saturday it will be important for us to take all three points.