Eberl ends Bayern rumors, commits to Gladbach

Berlin (AFP) – Max Eberl has ended speculation he will fill the vacant sports director’s role at Bayern Munich next season, saying he is staying at Bundesliga rivals Borussia Moenchengladbach.

“There is nothing else to say at the moment other than I will be sports director at Gladbach in the summer,” he said in a press conference on Friday.

“I can also omit the ‘at the moment’ part because there has been no approach.”

Gladbach’s bosses had reportedly given Eberl a deadline of Sunday’s home match, ironically against Bundesliga leaders Bayern, to commit to his current club or confirm he would leave.

The 43-year-old is adamant he needed no such ultimatum and will honour his contract, which runs until 2020. 

“I always said that there is no offer. I have always said that I have a contract and feel great at this club,” he insisted.

“Further more, I do not need an ultimatum. I talked to (Gladbach’s vice president) Rainer Bonhof about it and we are all very clear.”

Bayern have been without a director of sport since Matthias Sammer quit last season due to ill health.

They had hoped club captain Philipp Lahm would fill the vacancy when he retires from football in June, but Germany’s former captain also turned them down.

With Eberl now out of the running the Bavarian giants’ hunt goes on.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti is unconcerned.

“It is a decision for the club bosses,” said the Italian, with his team 10 points clear in Germany’s top flight.

“I am happy with or without a sports director, it’s all the same to me.”