Roland Virkus named Borussia’s new sporting director

Roland Virkus is Borussia Mönchengladbach’s new sporting director. Following Max Eberl’s resignation three weeks ago due to personal reasons, Borussia’s presidential board have chosen the 55-year-old youth academy director to be his successor.

“Borussia has constantly developed over the past years, not just in terms of the infrastructure at BORUSSIA-PARK, but also in a sporting sense,” said president Rolf Königs. “There have been many people involved in that. We have a strong structure and strong team. I’m delighted that someone from that team will continue Max Eberl’s work in the form of Roland Virkus.” Vice president Rainer Bonhof is also convinced that Virkus is the “right man for the job,” adding: “He has everything you need for the position of sporting director. He has experience heading up a department in professional football, experience in squad planning, experience in dealing with coaches and players, experience in dealing with player agents and he also has a large network.”

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have the backing of the club management,” said Roland Virkus. “This new role is a fantastic challenge for me, one I will go about with humility and respect, but also with excitement and real energy. I know that I won’t be alone in my work; I have a great team by my side.”

Roland Virkus fact file:

• Born on 3rd December 1966 in Mönchengladbach
• Married with three sons aged 20, 17 and 17
• With the club since 1990, initially as a youth coach with the U15s, U17s and U19s. Holds a UEFA A coaching licence. Later became head of the FohlenStall boarding school, before taking over as youth academy director in 2008
• Officially sporting director and chief executive for sport since 14th February 2022

The official press conference unveiling Roland Virkus as sporting director with president Rolf Königs, vice president Rainer Bonhof and chief executive Stephan Schippers will take place from 17:00 CET.