Frankfurt’s CEO Heribert Bruchhagen fell a burden after staying up. Photo: Guido Kirchner
(Photo: dpa)
His successor has not yet been determined. The successful relegation against 1. FC Nuremberg was a happy ending for Eintracht and Bruchhagen. “I’m totally happy now,” said Bruchhagen, who ended up missing the voice.
Mr. Bruchhagen, how emotional was the end of the season?
Heribert Bruchhagen: It would have been fatal for Eintracht Frankfurt if we had been relegated after those two games, in which we were vastly superior. That would have been unfair. Of course we have to analyze the season, which didn’t go as we had hoped, but we stayed calm, we maintained continuity. I would like to thank our employees, it is a great experience for everyone. I would like to thank Armin Veh, who constructively recognized that we should make a change. I would like to thank Bruno Hübner, who strongly pushed through the appointment of Kovac as coach. That wasn’t easy either. And of course I’d like to thank the players who managed to get their act together at the last moment.
Your relief is immense…
Bruchhagen: In my view, after 13 years at Eintracht Frankfurt, it would have been fatal if a second division team had been handed over. It would also have been unfair, because this club is completely intact. I will hand over the business to my successor in the next few days and I think we have to analyze the season critically. That’s for sure. But I believe that Eintracht Frankfurt’s future is solid.
How big is the pressure that falls off you?
Bruchhagen: You can’t measure that. When you have responsibility for so many employees, for everything at Eintracht Frankfurt, it’s no fun. I’m totally happy now.
How is it celebrated now?
Bruchhagen: No, you don’t have to. It’s much better to enjoy this feeling of happiness alone. I’ll call my family and it’s fine.
Second division table
relegation games
Squad 1. FC Nuremberg
