ETO FC Győr club owner Bálint Világi revealed in the team’s YouTube podcast that former head coach Balázs Borbély’s departure to Ferencváros dealt a personal blow, while the exit of fitness coach Stefan Pánik hurt more on a professional level, as reported.
Sudden Departures Disrupt Planned Transition Period
Both Borbély and sporting director Steven Vanharen had one year remaining on their respective contracts when their departures unfolded, according to club disclosures. Világi noted in the broadcast that management originally anticipated an orderly transition period during the winter window, which would have allowed the club to identify replacements and arrange a smooth handover. Instead, the exits caught the leadership off guard during crucial planning phases.
Ferencváros Negotiations and Staff Departures
The situation involving Borbély escalated rapidly after Ferencváros registered interest in the coach who had recently guided ETO to a domestic league title. Following an overnight discussion that stretched into the early morning hours, talks broke down when the parties could not reach an agreement regarding future staffing arrangements. Világi recounted that while business decisions in football often hinge on financial opportunities, the personal manner of the exit came as a surprise. Matters worsened when Világi learned during the drive home that Borbély had also secured the services of ETO fitness coach Stefan Pánik, a loss the owner described as a sharper professional setback than losing the head coach himself.
Vanharen Exit Creates Vacuum Before Transfer Window
Compounding the upheaval at Győr, sporting director Steven Vanharen informed management on the very first day of summer pre-season training that he intended to leave for a new opportunity in Israel. Világi acknowledged that while he wished the departing executive well, the timing left a significant vacuum and widespread disorder ahead of a critical transfer window. Because the sporting director role remained vacant, normal preparatory processes were disrupted before the club could stabilize its technical leadership.
Appointment of Efraín Juárez
Faced with a sudden managerial vacancy, ETO evaluated two primary options: promoting former assistant coach Bernd Thijs or bringing in an entirely new technical staff. Consequently, the club appointed Mexican manager Efraín Juárez, whose ambition, emotional intensity matched the immediate demands of the club.
Key Players Leave as Squad Focus Drifts
The summer window also saw the departure of key players, including Rajmund Tóth, Milán Vitális, Nadir Benbuali, and Márk Csinger, as ETO’s initial aspirations of reaching the group stage of European competition fell short. Világi addressed squad mentality during the transition, noting that some individuals whose focus had drifted toward financial considerations and housing in other cities were ultimately better left off the pitch.
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