Was there an explanation for this?
EV Vice President Schmidt justifies this approach by saying that he wanted to show a “touch of commonality” to the outside world. If the association had actually been interested in commonality, it would have at least tried to coordinate a press release with us. The fact that the eV representatives seriously believe that this autocratic behavior is a sign of togetherness shows what is currently the fundamental problem with 1860.
Unfortunately, this behavior is becoming more and more of a habit: the expulsion of coach Michael Köllner without proper consultation and planning and then the decision not to extend Mr. Pfeifer’s contract, contrary to all reason (Köllner was fired on January 31, 2023 in the middle of the promotion race). Contract with managing director Marc-Nikolai Pfeifer terminated on June 30, 2024; editor’s note).
Two controversial separations…
In both cases, I suspect it was because these people refused to play the association’s political game and dared to put the welfare of 1860 above the wishes of the president. We have some people in the eV who have their own agenda and I can tell you that has nothing to do with what is best for 1860 on or off the field.
There is obviously great potential for conflict in Werner’s personality. Why exactly?
The discussion revolved around the question of whether Dr. Werner should first prove himself as a sports director and then later be promoted to managing director – like his predecessor Gorenzel – or whether he is ready for this task immediately. Now the eV has prevailed and we can only wait and see whether this bet pays off. If not, I hope members will hold their board and executive committee accountable.
Is it correct that the club used the 50+1 rule to force Werner to become the new sports director against the will of the investors?
Unfortunately, I can’t say anything definitive about the decision, because we don’t know either. We don’t know whether Dr. Werner is effectively appointed, nor whether the contract with Mr. Pfeifer was actually terminated by the responsible committee on June 30, 2024. A bizarre situation for a majority shareholder and our members on the advisory board. Aside from the events surrounding the athletic director, I would like to tell you a story that recently caused a stir at 1860.
Around the time of coach Jacobacci’s departure, management received information that the brother of a highly respected national player, who himself had a good coaching career, was interested in speaking to 1860. Even before a conversation could take place, President Reisinger publicly rejected the coach because of his brother’s connection to our “red neighbors”. Apparently even a slight connection to this team makes you unsuitable in the eyes of our esteemed President. And yet the same president brought the current marketing manager of the eV directly from Bavaria.