Eintracht Frankfurt faces a fresh start as board spokesperson Axel Hellmann criticises the lack of attitude, drive and leadership last season. The 54‑year‑old highlighted on July 7 that the side, after finishing 8th with 44 points and a record of 11 wins, 11 draws and 12 losses, must urgently learn to work together again.

What caused the crisis?

Hellmann says the team quickly lost ground in the fierce Bundesliga competition when the gears didn’t mesh. After missing out on European competition and parting ways with Spanish coach Albert Riera, he saw a gap in communication and leadership. Riera, according to Hellmann, was unwilling to engage with the Bundesliga and the club – a point stressed after the Champions‑League final in Budapest.

Why is player leadership vital?

The board member notes that after finishing third in the 25/26 season many players assumed the level would hold itself. Instead, a lack of leadership among senior players became evident. Hellmann admitted he saw too little leadership from the pros, reflected in recent form: the last five matches yielded 0 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses, most recently a 2‑2 draw with VfB Stuttgart on May 16 2026.

How is management responding?

The club now relies fully on Austrian Adi Hütter, who previously coached the Eintracht from 2018 to 2021. Hellmann praises Hütter’s “smoothness, eloquence and presence” and says he knows exactly which areas slipped last season. Preparation starts with fitness tests on July 11 and 12, followed by the first team training on July 13 – a clear attempt to reset the internal culture.

What are the targets?

Eintracht Frankfurt aims to fight again for European spots. With 61 goals scored and 65 conceded, the goal difference sits at –4, and the side is 45 points behind league leaders Bayern München. Hellmann views the current situation as a learning platform for everyone and hopes the changes in leadership and attitude will push the team forward.

The next weeks will reveal whether the new impulses deliver the desired impact and bring Eintracht Frankfurt back to being a solid Bundesliga contender again.