Eintracht Frankfurt have confirmed that director Markus Krosche has left the club with immediate effect at his own request.
The club’s board unanimously approved his release on Sunday, although his contract, which runs until 30 June 2028, remains in place “with adjustments”.
Eintracht said the decision followed several weeks of “good, open and trusting talks” between Krosche and supervisory board chairman Mathias Beck about the club’s sporting direction and their future cooperation.
“Markus Krosche has decisively shaped Eintracht Frankfurt in recent years and played a major role in the successful sporting development of our club,” Beck said.
“Winning the Europa League, participating in the Champions League, and the further development of our team exemplify this extraordinary period. For this, he deserves our deepest gratitude and our express appreciation.”
Krosche, 46, held discussions with Milan last summer as the Italian club sought a new director of football after dismissing former CEO Giorgio Furlani and sporting director Igli Tare.
Eintracht declined to release him at that time. Milan are still seeking a new director of football and could renew their interest in Krosche in the coming weeks.
Krosche said: “The past few years at Eintracht Frankfurt have been an extraordinary, intense, and unforgettable time for me.
“We celebrated great successes together and further developed the club both on and off the field. Winning the Europa League and the many special moments with our fans will always hold a special place for me. I am very grateful for that.
“Over the past few months, I’ve been intensively reflecting on my personal situation and my professional future. After more than five very successful, but also very demanding years at this fantastic club, I’ve recently developed the feeling that I need a change – and that a fresh impetus might also benefit Eintracht.
“When you reach this point, you inevitably lose some of the necessary drive for such a challenging task. I’ve discussed this openly with Mathias Beck. Because my own ambition is to fulfill such a responsibility with complete conviction at all times.
“Therefore, I asked Mathias Beck to release me from my duties with immediate effect. This gives both Eintracht and me enough time to reorganize for the future. I also wanted this clarity before the members’ meeting because it’s important to me to say goodbye there in person.
“I am very grateful to Mathias Beck and the Supervisory Board for the open, fair and trusting discussions, as well as for the respectful handling of my request.
“I would also like to express my sincere thanks to my fellow board members. The collaboration was very open, trusting, and successful.
“My special thanks go to all employees, coaches, players and of course our fantastic fans. Eintracht Frankfurt will always remain an outstanding club for me, and I wish them all the best for the future.”
Milan began a new project over the summer by appointing Ruben Amorim as their coach, but the club are yet to complete their leadership structure with the recruitment of a new football director and/or sporting director.
