Dino Toppmöller, currently in the hot seat as Eintracht Frankfurt's Bundesliga coach, expresses his eagerness to establish a long-term affiliation with the Hessian club. With just over six months under his belt, the 43-year-old former player has found joy in the challenge, even amidst a series of setbacks. Six defeats in their last seven games across all competitions have tested Frankfurt's resilience, but Toppmöller believes they're moving in the right direction, albeit with a few players showing signs of fatigue from excessive playtime.
Slated for the 20:30 time slot on Sky, the Borussia Mönchengladbach match represents a significant moment before the winter break. Eintracht Frankfurt, holding an eighth-place position, is aiming to secure victory, aspiring to head into the break with a sense of triumph. Gladbach, a formidable opponent, adds an additional layer of difficulty to the equation, but Frankfurt's determination to seize the win remains steadfast.
In the wake of illness and yellow card suspensions, forwards Omar Marmoush, Ellyes Skhiri, and Philipp Max are potential returns to the starting line-up. Defender Robin Koch, who was forced to withdraw early during their match against Bayer 04 Leverkusen due to injury, may also make a comeback. Toppmöller's optimistic outlook suggests that Frankfurt's squad is brimming with talent and resilience, despite the challenges it has faced.
Dino Toppmöller's Coaching Career
Born and raised in the heart of German soccer culture, Toppmöller's journey as a coach started in the Bundesliga, where he honed his skills as a player before transitioning into the role of trainer for several teams. His tenure at Eintracht Frankfurt has been marked by notable successes, such as the 2018-19 Europa League run, which saw him and his team triumph in every group game before facing off against Chelsea in the semi-finals.
Amidst this triumph, however, Toppmöller's reign has not been without its hurdles. Consistency has been a challenge as the team strives to maintain its form in both the Bundesliga and European tournaments. Despite these hurdles, Toppmöller persists, intent on grooming Eintracht Frankfurt's youth into formidable players who will help shape the club's future.
Team Developments
One notable challenge for the team has been Can Uzun's limited starts. Despite producing impressive numbers (four goals and two assists), Uzun's underutilization has led to growing frustration within his camp. Toppmöller views Uzun as a player better suited to operate behind the striker, but has found himself overshadowed by Ansgar Knauff and Mario Götze. Despite this, the team remains hopeful for Uzun's long-term development, recognizing his potential as a valuable asset to the squad.
The recent announcement of Oliver Glasner's appointment as the new head coach has added another layer of intrigue to Toppmöller's tenure. Glasner, a seasoned coach with experience in the Bundesliga and international competition, is expected to provide the stability and expertise necessary to build upon Frankfurt's achievements and help the team continue its successful path.
Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
