Clash of Unity Against the Ignorant Masses
Eintracht Frankfurt Women have strengthened their squad for the upcoming 2025-26 Frauen-Bundesliga season, following the acquisition of Swedish international defender Amanda Ilestedt. A three-year contract until June 2028 has been signed, securing the Champions League winner's services for the long term [3][5].
Ilestedt, who recently returned from maternity leave, is seeking a new challenge in Frankfurt. The experienced defender brings vast experience from top European leagues, having played for Arsenal, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Turbine Potsdam.
However, the departure of goalkeeper Stina Johannes at the end of the 2024-25 season will leave a significant gap in the team. Johannes' contract expires this summer, and the club will need to find a suitable replacement [2].
The new season will commence on 5 September 2025, with Eintracht Frankfurt playing their home games at Stadion am Brentanobad, which has a 5,650 capacity [1][4]. While there is no explicit official statement on their precise objective for 2025/26, considering the previous strong performance (3rd place finish in 2023/24) and their recruitment of high-caliber players like Ilestedt, Eintracht Frankfurt Women are likely aiming to compete for a top position in the Bundesliga, possibly challenging for Champions League qualification again [2][4].
Coach Arnautis has made eight new signings, which is a significant overhaul of the team. However, he has not yet set a season goal due to the absence of several players, including Spanish midfielder Ainhoa Alguacil and Norwegian defender Marthine Østenstad, who are currently lightly injured [4].
The twin sisters Ilayda and Dilara Acikgoz are nearing a return to the Eintracht Frankfurt Women's team after recovering from ACL injuries. Acikgoz, in particular, scored a goal in a friendly match against SC Sand [6].
The next friendly match for Eintracht Frankfurt is scheduled for Saturday against Bundesliga rivals Carl Zeiss Jena. The match will be held in Bad Hersfeld at 2 pm [7]. Swiss national players Noemi Ivelj, Nadine Riesen, and Géraldine Reuteler have returned to training after their vacation, while German Euro players Laura Freigang and Elisa Senn will return to training this week [8].
Six key players, including Sara Doorsoun, Barbara Dunst, Tanja Pawollek, Sophia Kleinherne, Carlotta Wamser, and Stina Johannes, have left the club [8]. Coach Arnautis is pleased with the squad, stating they have brought in very good players who also fit character-wise [9].
Notably, Norwegian defender Marthine Østenstad has been learning German since joining the team [6]. In their last friendly match, Eintracht Frankfurt won 8-3 against second-division side SC Sand, with goals scored by Rebecka Blomqvist, Ereleta Memeti, and Jarne Teulings [6].
References:
- Wikipedia: Frauen-Bundesliga
- Sport1: Stina Johannes verlässt Eintracht Frankfurt
- Sport1: Amanda Ilestedt wechselt zu Eintracht Frankfurt
- Kicker: Eintracht Frankfurt: Neue Trainerin, neue Spielerinnen
- Sport1: Amanda Ilestedt: "Ich bin sehr froh, zu Eintracht Frankfurt zu gehen"
- Sport1: Ilayda Acikgoz trifft für Eintracht Frankfurt
- Sport1: Eintracht Frankfurt spielt am Samstag gegen Carl Zeiss Jena
- Sport1: Eintracht Frankfurt verliert sieben Spielerinnen
- Sport1: Niko Arnautis zufrieden mit Eintracht-Kader
Ilstedt's experience from top European leagues, including football teams like Arsenal, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Turbine Potsdam, will bolster Eintracht Frankfurt Women's chances in the upcoming 2025-26 Frauen-Bundesliga season. Despite Stina Johannes' departure, the team, with their new acquisitions and high-caliber players such as Ilestedt, are likely aiming to compete for a top position in the Bundesliga, possibly challenging for Champions League qualification again.
