Frankfurt - Heribert Bruchhagen is on a farewell tour. Last Saturday he was bid farewell at the stadium. On Monday, the 67-year-old Eintracht chief appeared on Hessian television to answer many questions, and on Tuesday, he faced the written press.
Heribert Bruchhagen talked about the past after nearly 13 years at the helm of the club, but also about his personal future. Heribert Bruchhagen on the future of Eintracht:The last days and weeks: "Until June 30th, I feel completely responsible. When my successor arrives, there will be a handover, very calmly. It's not rocket science. Then I will return my car fully fueled and freshly washed. The statute provides for an honorary card for me. In the future, I will sit next to Mr. Ohms, Mr. Gramlich, and Mr. Becker."
Personal future: "I am very grateful that I was allowed to work here. Emotionally, this club has given me a lot, the recognition and warmth in the city are great. I felt completely comfortable and looked forward to going to work every day. I will continue to be a small part of the football scene. Where my future base will be is not yet decided."
Almost 13 years at Eintracht: "When I arrived, the club was intact. However, the conditions were very poor. We always emphasized continuity and economic rationality. During the Funkel era, we had a player budget of 15 million euros. It is remarkable that we managed to turn things around. Back then we had 30 employees, today over 100. We have developed in all areas, although we were always very cautious. I could actually be very satisfied."
The current sporting situation: "It surprised me like everyone else. After finishing ninth and making the highest investments in history, I never believed that this would lead to a position that does not satisfy us. A credible indicator of my work is certainly the TV ranking. When I arrived, we were 17th, I hope that we will be tenth, eleventh, or twelfth when I leave. I leave behind a very solid and well-positioned club, even though we have limitations."
Criticism of the environment: "Eintracht is limited in its growth opportunities. The moral support from the city is pronounced, but the support that the club needs is not as it should be. Frankfurt society is represented in us, but there are screws that we cannot turn in our favor. It is pointed out that contracts must be honored. This is understandable from the taxpayers' point of view, but it does not help Eintracht Frankfurt. Our opponents are no longer Kaiserslautern, Karlsruhe, or Duisburg, but others like Leipzig now, for example. Yes, there are also Darmstadt and Ingolstadt, but I can guess how it will turn out in the long run."
The relegation battle: "I cannot say in which step we will succeed, but I am convinced that we will. Below the big six, in the future, the traditional clubs will all fluctuate between eighth and eighteenth place. I take pride in the fact that by constantly realistically presenting the situation, I have made a large part of people dissatisfied but also aligned them with reality."
The significance of football: "Football has become far too important. We have overshadowed athletics, basketball, and handball. Football has become a phenomenon that no one can explain. People go to football because they go to football. In the past, spectators had specialized knowledge, today they are experience-oriented. With a trend upwards. The more hype, the more stadiums fill up."
About his successor: "He needs social competence and sporting competence. He must be the clear face of Eintracht Frankfurt, a part of the city's society. And he must be humble. Modesty is part of it."
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