For weeks at the beginning of the season, Timothy Chandler was a spectator, but most recently the Frankfurt full-back played over 90 minutes three times in a row. His old and simple recipe for success has paid off once again.
This time Chandler’s chance came on matchday 6 against Cologne (1:1) because left-back Christopher Lenz was out (fibre tear). Five days later he played in Antwerp (1-0) on the right wing in place of Erik Durm (concussion), in Munich (2-1) he switched back to the left side. “I was left out for a long time, nobody talked about me,” the 31-year-old states without resentment. But the tide has turned, at least for the time being. After three appearances within nine days, he is “very proud” of himself, emphasises Chandler, “you can see that I can always be used.
The defender has been a long way away from a regular place for some time now, and that is unlikely to change. However, when Chandler is needed, he is always there. “Even in the weeks when I didn’t play, I kept up the pace in training. I’m in top shape and haven’t missed a single training session. I always wait for my chance. And if I come in or play from the start, I will give everything for the team. I’m always ready,” affirmed the former US international (29 caps).
Option to stay on in Frankfurt
With this exemplary attitude, the dynamic and fast, but footballingly limited full-back has made 232 Bundesliga appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt and 1. FC Nürnberg. A few more are likely to follow in the coming years. It was only in May that the old sporting director Fredi Bobic – somewhat surprisingly – extended Chandler’s contract prematurely by three years until 2025, after which there is the option of a still unspecified further employment at Eintracht.
Via club statement, Bobic explained at the time: “Timmy’s value for the team and the entire environment goes far beyond the sporting side. He is held in high esteem everywhere because of his achievements, and his word carries weight. That’s why we are pleased that with Timmy, another leader and absolute identification figure has committed himself to Eintracht for the long term.” Chandler, who once trained at Riederwald in his own youth, not only has plenty of professional experience, but with his infectious good humour and communicative nature, he is also an important integration figure in the dressing room – a factor that should not be underestimated.
“Winning another cup with Eintracht Frankfurt would be something great. “
TIMOTHY CHANDLER
He hasn’t run out of dreams, even in the autumn of his career. “To win another cup with Eintracht Frankfurt would be something great,” says Chandler, referring to the DFB Cup sensation against Bayern (3:1) a good three years ago. More generally, he adds, “The important thing is that I continue to help the club develop, that new players are always well received and develop as well. That is my goal.”
He is definitely not looking for a new adventure at another club. It is also hard to imagine the cheerful nature in another jersey. He joined the Eintracht youth team 20 years ago as an eleven-year-old boy. With the exception of four years with 1. FC Nürnberg (2010-14), he has always worn the eagle on his chest since then.
