Bayern boss: "Extremely irritated" by Carro's "personal attack"
Rumors are circulating in the Bundesliga: Leverkusen's managing director Fernando Carro's harsh words towards Max Eberl have now been responded to by Bayern Munich's CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. He demands respect and has spoken personally with Carro.
Bayern Munich's CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has clearly rejected the verbal attack by Fernando Carro on FCB's sports director Max Eberl. "We were greatly surprised by Fernando Carro's personal attack on Max Eberl," said Dreesen about the managing director of German football champions Bayer Leverkusen: "I have conveyed this to Fernando Carro in a personal conversation, as we cannot and will not tolerate such unsportsmanlike attacks on Bayern Munich, let alone accept them."
Carro had previously criticized Eberl. "I think nothing of Max Eberl, absolutely nothing," Carro was quoted as saying by "kicker" at a meeting with several hundred representatives of Leverkusen's fan clubs at the BayArena: "And I wouldn't negotiate with him." Carro has since apologized for this, as reported by ntv. "He has admitted his mistake with his public apology," emphasized Dreesen: "Despite sporting rivalry, we should still be guided by mutual respect."
Tah at the center of the dispute
At the center of the dispute is the tug-of-war over Leverkusen national player Jonathan Tah, whom Bayern is supposedly pursuing. Speculation about a transfer to Munich has been going on for weeks. The clubs are said to have agreed on a transfer fee of 25 million euros for the central defender, with an additional 5 million possible in bonuses. However, a transfer from Munich's perspective would require a departure of Matthijs de Ligt. The Dutchman has since moved to English record champions Manchester United in a double deal for 60 million euros, with a further 10 million possible in bonuses.
The fact that Bayern may now be deviating from their plan to transfer Tah is causing resentment in Leverkusen. However, Carro now emphasizes: "I naturally respect the FC Bayern, its decision-makers, and the achievements this club has made for German football."
Dreesen commended Eberl for handling the situation with grace, stating, "Despite the harsh words from Fernando Carro, Max Eberl has shown great professionalism and resilience, which I admire." Furthermore, Carro acknowledged his mistake and expressed regret, saying, "I regret my words about Max Eberl and have apologized for any disrespect caused. I understand and respect the importance of maintaining a level of respect between rival clubs."
