This sentence, expressed right at the beginning of the press conference, affects me as a person, but also as a journalist, because as in presumably all editorial offices, a lot was said in our Sportschau editorial team from the first unconfirmed rumors until his actual resignation, and at least as much much speculation.
When do we go out with the report? When do we have to go out with the report so as not to be too late? Do we have our own information, how do we compare to competing media? What are the real reasons for Max Eberl’s departure? Where is he going? To Leipzig, or to Munich, to the record champions who have been courting him for so long?
And then there is a person sitting at the press conference who is just sad, burned out, marked. Who is constantly overwhelmed by his tears. Who reports that he ended what his life was. And he says he just can’t take it anymore.
And what happens: almost all the journalists present put their questions before their questions with dutiful good wishes to Eberl – and then ask those responsible at Borussia Mönchengladbach how things are going now, who follows Max Eberl, how much time you give yourself in the search for a successor.
This can be seen as a journalistic duty of care. Or as a lack of tact and sensitivity. Just don’t ask any questions, just pause for a moment, just suppress the usual reflexes for the moment, instead expressing sympathy – that would have been appropriate for the situation. Of course, that’s asking a lot, maybe too much. And still worth a thought.