{
  "id": 15532182,
  "title": "Sporting director Kroesche leaves Frankfurt",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/sporting-director-kroesche-leaves-frankfurt",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-19T01:19:57.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/10/1558641/sporting-director-kroesche-leaves-frankfurt"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Frankfurt, Germany - Eintracht Frankfurt's sporting director, Markus Kroesche, has left the club early, citing a desire for change, the club announced on Sunday. Kroesche, 46, had a contract with Frankfurt until 2028. He is credited with guiding the club from mid-table to winning the Europa League and qualifying for the Champions League for the first time. Under Kroesche's leadership, Frankfurt secured the 2022 Europa League title and sold high-profile players like Hugo Ekitike, Omar Marmoush, and Randal Kolo Muani at significant profits. The former RB Leipzig sporting director had been linked with the position at Borussia Dortmund but has faced criticism in recent seasons. Despite winning the Champions League last season, Frankfurt has struggled this campaign, currently sitting in 11th place with only two wins from six matches. In a statement, Kroesche expressed his decision to leave, stating that he needed a change and that a fresh start could benefit both himself and the club.",
  "summary": "FRANKFURT, Germany: Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Kroesche has been released from his contract early “at his own request“, the club said in a statement on Sunday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Sporting director Markus Kroesche leaves Eintracht Frankfurt.",
    "46-year-old Kroesche cites desire for change.",
    "Kroesche guided club to Europa League win and Champions League qualification."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The departure of the architect behind Frankfurt's recent European success signals a period of instability for a club currently struggling to maintain its competitive form in the domestic league.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}