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Soccer expert Lothar Matthäus, sports director Max Eberl (on January 15 in Mönchengladbach): "As a fan and former Borussia player, you have to thank him for that."
Photo: Revierfoto / imago images/Revierfoto
In tears, Max Eberl announced his resignation as sports director of Bundesliga club Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday.
"I no longer have the strength to do this job the way the club needs it," he said: "I just have to get out of here now, I have to take care of people."
Here are reactions from football:
Ilkay Gündoğan (national player, via Twitter):
"My greatest respect for Max Eberl for what must certainly be a very difficult decision.
That takes a lot of courage!
All the best for the future, Max – and above all good health.«
Domenico Tedesco (RB Leipzig coach to SID):
"Of course it's always something special, I think, in this case in a negative sense, when a club legend who has been there for many, many years not only as a manager but also as a player place is.
That's always a shame.
I always liked seeing him there.«
André Schürrle (former national player, via Twitter):
"All the best Max Eberl!
Have peace and patience!
Thank you for your courageous words.«
Lothar Matthäus (record national player, on Sky):
»I was surprised that he made that decision.
But you have to accept and respect it.
He has done amazing things for Borussia in various positions.
As a fan and former Borussia player, you have to thank him for that.
For his commitment, for the passion he fought with.«
Dietmar Hamann (Sky expert, at Sky):
"I've known Max for 40 years and played against him when he was ten.
Max was always a fighter.
He said it at the PK: Others had more talent, but he always prevailed.
You have to respect that and take your hat off to him for how open he was about the matter.
Today we are not only losing an excellent manager – temporarily – but also excellent people.«
Toni Kroos (former national player, via Twitter):
»Chapeau Max Eberl.
Outstanding manager and guy with really big balls.
Have a good rest, Max!«
Compiled by sid