Eintracht Frankfurt wants to win the first home win in the premier class. The absence of ex-world champion Götze hurts, but coach Glasner is still confident.
Frankfurt / Main (dpa / lhe) – Oliver Glasner is hoping for a “football festival”, midfielder Ansgar Knauff even a “magical night”. Despite the absence of Mario Götze, Eintracht Frankfurt has great expectations for the Champions League duel with Tottenham Hotspur for star striker Harry Kane. “These big games are always something special. Everyone is excited about it. It’s time for a magical night in Frankfurt again,” said U21 national player Knauff before the third group game this Tuesday (9 p.m. / Amazon Prime).
However, the Hessians have to do without ex-world champion Götze, who is out due to an ankle injury. “Mario has too much pain in his ankle, so he won’t be there,” said Glasner on Monday.
The 30-year-old Götze suffered the injury last Saturday in a 2-0 win against Bundesliga leaders 1. FC Union Berlin. “It’s a pity that we lack his experience and quality, but we have enough good players who can compensate for that,” emphasized Glasner.
Defensive player Kristijan Jakic, who has recovered from an infection in his hip, is available again and, like Djibril Sow, who was rested recently, should return to the starting XI. “He’s fit,” Glasner said of Jakic. This also applies to the rest of the squad, who, like the Londoners, have three points after the 1-0 win at Olympique Marseille.
On Monday Glasner prepared the team for the difficult task. “We showed longer video sequences and prepared well for Tottenham’s style of play,” said the 49-year-old football coach.
“We know what needs to be done,” announced captain Sebastian Rode after the final training session, “but we have to put it on the pitch.” Above all, it is important to get the opponent’s dreaded attack series under control. In addition to top scorer Kane, former Bundesliga professional Heung-Min Son and Richarlison also provide offensive power.
Although the “Spurs” in the premier class lost 2-0 at leaders Sporting Lisbon, they are still the big group favorite for Glasner. But his team is not afraid of big names. “The boys have shown more than once that they can surpass themselves,” said the Austrian.
The Hessians are dying to compete with the star troupe from the island. “We know what’s coming. That’s the best in Europe,” said national goalkeeper Kevin Trapp. “We earned and deserved this game and we can all look forward to it.”
Rode, who had to watch injured in the first Champions League home game in the club’s history against Sporting Lisbon (0:3) at the beginning of September, is particularly motivated. “I’m really happy. They’re a great opponent. I really want to win,” said the 31-year-old midfielder.
The omens are not bad, as Eintracht has recently delivered convincing performances in front of their home crowd. “The team works with concentration and has a lot of fun on the training ground. In addition, a full house – the conditions are perfect,” said Eintracht coach Glasner.
The anticipation is also great among the Frankfurt pros. “Everyone will have goosebumps before kick-off,” predicted Rode and added: “When we run onto the field, we want to enjoy it.”
