Eintracht Frankfurt has shown that the team is neither solidly anchored nor self-assured after a 0:7 loss to Brentford and an 11:0 cup win. Trainer Adi Hütter stresses the need to strengthen the defense, especially by signing Noah Atubolu before the transfer deadline on September 1.
0:7 vs. Brentford and 11:0 in the Cup
The 0:7 defeat against Premier League club Brentford highlighted Frankfurt’s weakness. The following Friday saw an 11:0 victory over Oberliga club St. Tönis in the cup. While the result was a record, the 10:0 halftime led to only one more goal in the second half. The two games illustrate how narrow the margin is on which Frankfurt players walk.
Coach’s Approach and Defense
Adi Hütter has worked seriously in preparation. In the first half against St. Tönis Frankfurt pressed hard and broke the amateur’s defensive line. Yet how the work translates against top opponents remains to be seen. The first two corners should have been turned into a 2:0 lead to prevent resistance on the pitch.
Priority: Noah Atubolu
The fragile structure requires a clear personnel decision. Signing Freiburg goalkeeper Noah Atubolu must be a priority. Michael Zetterer does not provide the necessary backup as number two, and Kauã Santos, a world-class talent out of his depth, is also not the solution. Until the end of the transfer window on September 1, other important personnel are pending, some already emerging, others not.
Transfer Questions
A serious assessment of Frankfurt’s chances is only possible once it is clear who will leave, which striker and centre-back will still be signed, or whether another full-back will join. The Bundesliga is weaker than ever this season, with the promotion twins Elversberg and Paderborn, HSV losing its best players, and traditional clubs Köln and Schalke struggling between fan expectations and economic reality.
Conclusion
It can’t get worse than tenth place for Frankfurt if a destructive atmosphere is avoided. That should succeed, because the coach is no longer Riera but Hütter.
