“Felt that I need a change” – Krösche issues statement as German sources confirm Milan links
Confirmations are beginning to arrive from Germany regarding Markus Krösche’s imminent move to AC Milan after he left Eintracht Frankfurt.
It looks like being a case of second time lucky for Milan after they tried to hire Krösche in the summer but were knocked back by Eintracht, who were not happy about letting him go. Matteo Moretto and Fabrizio Romano are both reporting that talks are ‘advanced’ with the German director.
The reason that a move is possible mid-season is because Krösche has had his resignation accepted by the Bundesliga side. A statement came from him too as part of the announcement.
“The past few years at Eintracht Frankfurt have been an extraordinary, intense and unforgettable period for me. Together, we have celebrated great successes and helped the club develop both on the pitch and financially. Winning the Europa League and sharing so many special moments with our fans will always mean a great deal to me. I am extremely grateful for those experiences.
“Over the past few months, I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my personal circumstances and professional future. After more than five very successful but also very demanding years at this wonderful club, I have increasingly felt that I need a change – and that a new impetus might also benefit Eintracht.
“When you reach that point, you inevitably start to lose some of the drive and vigor required for such a demanding role. I spoke openly with Mathias Beck about this because I expect myself to approach a position of this responsibility with complete conviction at all times.
“That is why I asked Mathias Beck to release me from my duties with immediate effect. This gives both Eintracht and me enough time to prepare for the future. I also wanted the situation to be resolved before the general meeting because it is important to me to have the opportunity to say goodbye in person.
“I’m very grateful to Mathias Beck and the supervisory board for the open and fair discussions conducted in a spirit of mutual trust, as well as for the respectful way in which they handled my request.
“I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to my fellow board members. We enjoyed a very open, trusting and successful working relationship.
“My special thanks go to all the staff, coaches, players and, of course, our incredible fans. Eintracht Frankfurt will always be a very special club to me, and I wish everyone involved nothing but the best for the future.”
From red and black to red and black?
Bild report that Milan want Krösche to join and play a key role in their sporting department. The 46-year-old is set to join as the so-called Head of Football by title.
The Rossoneri, currently fourth in Serie A, believe the German is capable of transforming them in a similarly successful way as he did five years ago at Eintracht Frankfurt.
Talks between Krösche and Milan have progressed significantly in recent days and an agreement ‘could be finalised by the end of this week’.
This story isn’t new: Milan had already courted Krösche last summer . The then-sporting director of Eintracht Frankfurt negotiated with the Diavolo for several days. He was to be given full responsibility for the squad and staff, and the financial package at the time was €40m over four years.
Kicker (via MilanNews) add the following: “Eintracht Frankfurt would also be ‘happy’ for one specific reason. Krosche’s contract, renewed in 2024 until June 30, 2028, is currently still valid.
“This means that Eintracht Frankfurt can still receive compensation for Krösche’s transfer if the director reaches an agreement with another club during that period.”
