Eintracht Frankfurt missed out on an away win in the Bundesliga after squandering a 3:1 lead to draw 3:3 at Union Berlin. The disappointing result from the Alte Försterei concluded SGE's short summer break.
The club currently sits in 8th place in the Bundesliga table with one point from one match. Their record shows three goals scored and three conceded. The next challenge is a home fixture against 4th-placed FC Augsburg on September 6th.
What caused the collapse in Berlin?
Younes Ebnoutalib appeared to have decided the match with his three goals in the 10th, 11th, and 67th minutes. But after taking a 3:1 lead, the team completely lost control. Captain Robin Koch, 30, analyzed the situation. He spoke of a lack of composure and explained how the fatal loss of energy occurred. According to Koch, the team dropped deeper and deeper and lost defensive stability. Alongside him were three young defenders, Keita Kosugi, Jeremiaha Maluze, and Elias Baum, who have only five Bundesliga appearances between them.
Coach Adi Hütter identified a lack of stress resilience as the main reason for failing to secure all three points. The team could not convert the promising start into a victory. Internally, Hütter stated that the current squad quality does not yet match the level he envisions. The club must do more here.
How is the club reacting to the defensive issues?
The reaction to the unstable defense is immediate. Lilian Brassier, a 26-year-old centre-back from French club Stade Rennes, is set to join Frankfurt. The base transfer fee is a high six-figure million sum, plus possible performance bonuses. Brassier is expected to be presented in Frankfurt at the start of the week, just before the transfer window closes on Tuesday at 8 PM.
Simultaneously, Eintracht plans to sign an attacking player as an alternative for Jonathan Burkardt and Younes Ebnoutalib, both of whom were sidelined by injuries in the spring. In goal, Michael Zetterer left for Leeds United. Arthur Theate, who contributed to the Champions League qualification in his first year, moved on loan to FC Bologna after falling out of favor. Jean-Matteo Bahoya and Ritsu Doan could also leave the club if suitable offers arrive.
What does this mean for the coming weeks?
Board member for sport Markus Krösche hinted that something will happen on Deadline Day. He prefers to act until the last day. Coach Hütter dismissed rumors of a conflict with Krösche. He read about it, but the relationship is very decent. President and supervisory board chairman Mathias Beck reaffirmed Krösche's position. The fact is, he has a contract until 2028, clearly committed to Eintracht Frankfurt two months ago, and is with his team on the final stretch of the transfer window, said Beck. The next discussion will take place behind closed doors in Frankfurt.
For the match against Augsburg, Ansgar Knauff and Jessic Ngankam remain sidelined, as shown on the current injuries list. The team must quickly implement the lessons from Berlin to secure their first win of the season at home. The full schedule for upcoming matches can be found on our fixtures page.
