Eintracht Frankfurt’s Recent Performance
As Eintracht Frankfurt approached the international break, a lackluster 0-0 draw against Mainz seemed imminent. However, a moment of brilliance from Ritsu Doan in the 80th minute shifted the momentum dramatically, as he expertly maneuvered through two defenders and scored with his left foot, igniting a wave of euphoria and relief amongst the fans. The match, according to Eintracht’s sporting CEO, Markus Krösche, epitomized hard-fought victories, reflecting how the game bore little resemblance to traditional football during the first half.
Defensive Struggles and Tactical Adjustments
In light of recent struggles on defense, the team has made a conscious effort to tighten their backline in their last two matches, having previously suffered heavy defeats. Their defensive errors began to accumulate with three goals conceded at Bayer Leverkusen, followed by four against Union Berlin and Borussia Mönchengladbach, and five against Atlético Madrid and Liverpool in European competition. Inevitably, with these defensive leaks, winning becomes a tall order, leading them to adopt a more cautious approach seen in their recent match against Napoli.
The Passion of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Supporters
Despite their shaky form, Eintracht Frankfurt remains a captivating club with a rich history that resonates with its loyal fan base. A stroll through the Frankfurter Stadtwald on a game day reveals the passion of supporters indulging in their cherished matchday bratwursts while anticipating the action. Inside the stadium, the club museum encapsulates the legacy of Eintracht, while fans eagerly share their opinions outside, creating a vibrant ambiance only augmented by the stirring club anthem that echoes through the stands.
Last Season’s Achievements and Current Challenges
Last season, the club achieved a commendable third-place finish in the Bundesliga under coach Dino Toppmöller, a significant feat especially after losing talent like Omar Marmoush to Manchester City mid-season. Although the departure of Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool raised concerns about the expectations for the current campaign, many assumed that the core team remained strong, bolstered by the local signing of Jonathan Burkardt for €22 million.
Burkardt has certainly made an impact, earning Bundesliga player of the month for October thanks to his standout performances that included two goals against SC Freiburg and St. Pauli. The variance in striker styles often leads to transitional adjustments for teams, and while Burkardt might emulate a traditional center-forward approach, it requires time for the team to reflect this new dynamic.
Player Performances and Future Prospects
Additionally, certain players have yet to find their rhythm this season. Kauã Santos, a highly regarded young goalkeeper, has just returned from a long injury layoff, while summer acquisition Michael Zetterer quickly seized the starting role. New captain Robin Koch, following Kevin Trapp‘s exit to Paris FC, has faced challenges that led to his omission from the national squad by coach Julian Nagelsmann, though he has shown improvements in recent matches. Several other players, including Nnamdi Collins, Arthur Theate, and Ansgar Knauff, have also seen declines in their performances.
While Doan started strong with two braces in his initial appearances, he too experienced a lull until his critical goal in the last game. Up front, substitution options like Elye Wahi and Michy Batshuayi have struggled to contribute significantly, with Wahi particularly failing to find the back of the net in 17 Bundesliga matches.
Nonetheless, there have been bright spots, with Can Uzun leading the charge with five goals and three assists, although he is sidelined due to injury. Farès Chaïbi has also matured as a midfielder, contributing five assists this season under the club’s nurturing guidance. Solid performances from Denmark international Rasmus Kristensen have provided stability on the right side.
Upcoming Challenges
Next up, Frankfurt faces a challenging encounter against historic rivals FC Cologne, just an hour away by train. This match will kick off a tightly packed schedule leading into the holiday season, featuring significant fixtures in both the Bundesliga and Champions League against formidable opponents such as RB Leipzig, Atalanta, and Barcelona. The pressing question remains: can Toppmöller’s squad blend the dynamic attacking style of last season with the newfound defensive resilience demonstrated in recent outings against Mainz and Napoli? Despite the inconsistent start to this season, I believe Eintracht holds the potential to secure a top-four spot in Germany by the end of the season.
