In the Europa League, Frankfurt are facing their next attempt to finally record their first win. The coach continues to exude confidence.
As expected, Eintracht travelled to Antwerp on Wednesday without centre-back Evan Ndicka (knee injury) and full-back Erik Durm (concussion). There, the second group match of the Europa League season is scheduled for Thursday at Royal FC. Despite the two absences, “the feeling is very, very positive”, said coach Oliver Glasner at the on-site press conference in the evening. “We are looking forward to the game, and we have a good squad. Every player who is there has our fullest confidence. It is clear that we have to make changes in the defence. But various players have been waiting for assignments and have trained very, very well.”
The Austrian did not want to name names in advance, but it seems that Makoto Hasebe, for example, can feel addressed. The veteran, who has been out of action for five games, is generally expected to be a central figure in a three-man defensive chain. Club legend Charly Körbel, who watched the final training session on Eintracht TV, said: “The way Makoto is performing, he knows he will play tomorrow. 100 per cent. “
“We have to make it more difficult for the opponent to score goals again. “
OLIVER GLASNER
Glasner explained why Eintracht held their final training session in Frankfurt instead of familiarising themselves with the conditions in advance: “We wanted to keep one or two things secret, for example standard situations.” That probably wouldn’t have been so uncomplicated on the opponent’s pitch. Getting used to a foreign stadium, on the other hand, is less relevant: “The pitches are standardised – and I assume that the grass is green,” Glasner explains laconically. In addition, the football coach hints at a less risky approach than in the past. In any case, the plan of action is: “We have to make it more difficult for the opponent to score goals. We have to keep a clean sheet, then you can win 1:0.
Everyone agrees that a win in the ninth match of the season is overdue. After six draws in a row, Glasner emphasises that “it’s not that easy to win against us either”. But he admits: “A win would do us good, in the group stage and with a view to the overall situation.” Royal Antwerp are certainly not an opponent to build on. Glasner’s warning: “Leipzig just lost in the Champions League against the Belgian league leaders (1-2 against FC Bruges, editor’s note), who have only one point more than Antwerp. That says it all. “
