Axel Hellmann the savior of the Bundesliga? There is still a long way to go, and a very difficult one. And because the spokesman of the board of Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG took over the management of the German Football League (DFL) after the separation from Donata Hopfen together with Oliver Leki from SC Freiburg, he would have to share the merits. But the chance is there.
The Bundesliga needs money and good ideas in order not to be further left behind. In this respect, Hellmann also served the concord with a success. She sent him, almost on loan. So Hellmann remains what he is: Eintracht player with heart and brain, with the fan scarf around his neck at the games. And before and after spokesman of the board of the AG. What then changes?
The presence of the guide is required
Perhaps not as much as it first appears. Because Hellmann is no longer a newcomer to the DFL. He has been a member of the Executive Committee since August and was part of a working group dealing with the involvement of investors. But the truth is that the lawyer with a sense for moods must and will show his presence in the DFL, moving into an office at the headquarters in the Westend.
In view of the difficult situation and the enormous tasks, the presence of the management is more necessary than ever and – after a recently different culture – probably also in demand. In addition, there is a change into a second, very challenging world of ideas. Hellmann and Leki are commissioned to create facts by the end of their loan on July 1, 2023: among other things, present an investor who not only invests billions for twenty percent of the shares in media marketing, but also offers the DFL help to help themselves.
The financial injection and other investments should lead to an income model that gives the league growth and stability. So that the money does not seep away from players and their advisors. At the same time, the duo should lead the 50+1 discussion to a pacification. The Bundeskartellamt does not like the special cases, the clubs owned by the company from Bayer Leverkusen to RB Leipzig. In addition to this program, which is not even fully listed, is there still room to steer Eintracht?
One might think that this is not necessary because it is a sure-fire success at the moment. But what is behind Eintracht’s rise from mediocrity to European Cup winners? Undoubtedly Hellmann’s foresight, his strategic skills. But definitely also the team play behind the scenes, a clear division of competences and tasks, mutual trust, clear hierarchies, cooperation, leadership strength. Everything together forms the balance, the basic requirement for success at any level.
It has to be constantly adjusted because it is fragile. Because the Eintracht leadership, like the team on the pitch, consists of best friends at best, any change can upset the balance. And if it’s just the thought of others, Hellmann’s additional task offers freedom for personal development.
Oliver Leki, CFO of SC Freiburg, will manage the DFL with Hellmann in the meantime.
:
Image: dpa
