Eintracht Frankfurt has been undefeated for four competitive games. The series is to be expanded in Bochum. Coach Glasner also expects a top performer who was missing recently.
Frankfurt/Main (dpa/lhe) – Eintracht Frankfurt would like to continue the positive trend of the past few weeks in a guest appearance with VfL Bochum, which is still without a win, with Mario Götze. The Hessians, who have been unbeaten for four competitive games, can secure their place in the top group of the Bundesliga with a win this Saturday (3.30 p.m. / Sky) and gain more self-confidence for the second Champions League duel with Tottenham Hotspur next Wednesday in London . “We will go into the game mentally fresh and motivated,” announced Eintracht coach Oliver Glasner on Thursday.
The 49-year-old Austrian is hoping for a return from ex-world champion Götze, who suffered a minor ankle injury in the 2-0 win against leaders 1. FC Union Berlin last week and was therefore out against Tottenham last Tuesday. “Mario trained today without any problems. He will definitely play when he’s at 100 percent,” said Glasner.
The Frankfurters have to do without striker Randal Kolo Muani, who is suspended after his yellow-red card from the Union game. Either Rafael Borré or Lucas Alario will start for the Frenchman. “We have a lot of attacking players who can compensate for Kolo Muani’s absence,” emphasized Glasner. Otherwise everyone is on board. “We didn’t suffer any major injuries,” reported Glasner two days after the premier class duel with Spurs.
Unlike against the top English team, Eintracht in Bochum is the favourite, at least on paper. But the Hessians have been warned: last year there was a 2-0 defeat for the then promoted team. “We shouldn’t look at the table, because in the Bundesliga you can win against the first and lose against the last. It doesn’t make sense to let that affect you,” warned Glasner, adding: “I never look at where a team is is in the table.”
He expects a highly motivated opponent who finally wants to land his first win of the season. “Bochum are a very strong team that makes the space very tight,” Glasner said of the rivals. “It will be important for us to go onto the pitch with good energy, good spirit and great passion.”
When preparing for the task, own victories and positive memories are much more important than the table constellation. There have been a few of those lately. Since the 0-1 draw against VfL Wolfsburg four weeks ago, Frankfurt have not lost. The successes in Marseille, Stuttgart and against Union as well as the goalless draw against Tottenham have further boosted self-confidence. “It’s about continuing this trend,” said Glasner. “We want to show that we are one step further and even more solid.”
