Timmo Hardung will not be joining AC Milan.
In recent weeks, the transfer market rumours had spoken of the German executive joining the Rossoneri to work alongside Markus Krosche, who is destined to become the club’s next Head of Football at Casa Milan.
Eintracht Frankfurt, in fact, has issued an official statement in which it is stated that Hardung, already the club’s sporting director, will have greater powers in the sporting department.
Here's the official statement from Eintracht Frankfurt:
Eintracht Frankfurt is making adjustments to the allocation of tasks within its sporting department.
Alongside his existing duties, Hardung has been given direct responsibility for the medical side and the academy. Up until now, both units have reported to the board member for sport. The heads and managing directors will now report directly to Hardung. Responsibility for women's football remains within the direct reporting line to the board member for sport and thus, on an interim basis, with Axel Hellmann. Furthermore, during the transitional phase, Hardung is to work closely with the CEO, Hellmann, to focus more intensively on improving efficiency within the individual units of the sporting department and on preparations for the winter transfer window. In light of these far-reaching additional responsibilities, he will be relieved of his immediate duties relating to the squad and coaching staff.
At the same time, Rode will continue his trainee program in the sporting department from November 1, assuming greater responsibilities within the immediate team environment.
As part of his trainee program, the ex-Eintracht captain will support the day-to-day work around the first team and, in particular, act as an additional point of contact for the players and coaching staff. With his many years of experience, close connection to the club and understanding of the processes and requirements in a professional team, Rode can fulfill an important role in bringing together the team, coaching staff and sporting organization.
Axel Hellmann, CEO of Eintracht Frankfurt Fußball AG, explained: "In this current period until the appointment of a new board member for sport, we want to consolidate responsibilities and improve the efficiency of work across the various departments. Timmo Hardung has been tasked, until further notice, with leading all sporting operations in men's football. The expansion of his responsibilities means that the focus of his work must shift from the team to strategic and organizational matters. Timmo Hardung will therefore, in close consultation with myself, more focus heavily on processes and structures. At the same time, we want to provide the best possible support for day-to-day work within the immediate team environment. As a highly respected former player, Sebastian Rode brings valuable qualities to this role through his experience, his personality and his close ties to Eintracht."
