Markus Krösche is no longer the sporting director of Eintracht Frankfurt. The 46-year-old was released from his duties at his own request following an extraordinary supervisory board meeting on Sunday evening, ending a tenure of over five years. The club, currently 11th in the Bundesliga with 8 points, must now reorganise its sporting leadership.

With immediate effect, CEO Axel Hellmann (55) assumes responsibility for all sporting matters. Hellmann, who has been with the club since 2001 and once stood as a fan in the G-block of the old Waldstadion, will oversee operations for the time being. Krösche's contract, originally running until 30 June 2028, remains in effect in an adjusted form. Should he join a new club, Eintracht Frankfurt could demand a transfer fee.

A major era ends

Under Krösche's leadership, Eintracht Frankfurt experienced its most successful period in recent history. The former manager of SC Paderborn and RB Leipzig delivered the Europa League title in May 2022 and qualified the team for the Champions League twice. President Mathias Beck acknowledged his contribution. He said Krösche had decisively shaped the club in recent years and had a major share in its successful development.

Krösche was also responsible for spectacular transfer business. The attacking trio of Omar Marmoush, Hugo Ekitiké and Randal Kolo Muani were signed for a fraction of their later sale prices and subsequently sold for a combined total exceeding a high sum. These revenues shaped the club's financial stability. In his farewell message, Krösche reflected: "The past years at Eintracht Frankfurt were an extraordinary, intense and unforgettable time for me."

The road ahead

The members' meeting on Monday evening at the Frankfurt Jahrhunderthalle will serve as the official send-off. On the pitch, Dino Toppmöller's team now faces a challenging task. Following the recent 1-0 home win against 1. FC Köln, an away match against current second-placed side Borussia Dortmund awaits this Saturday. The recent form of three wins from the last five games provides some foundation. Top scorer Younes Ebnoutalib, who netted the winner against Köln, will need to play a central role with his five season goals. The coming weeks will reveal how the club plans Krösche's long-term succession and shapes the squad for the second half of the campaign.

This story first appeared at Bild Sport