For Eintracht Frankfurt, it’s going to be one after the other until the World Cup break. 13 games in six weeks are on the program of Hessen. For the coach, that’s no reason to complain.
Frankfurt/Main (dpa/lhe) – Oliver Glasner exuded great anticipation before the showdown with Bundesliga leaders 1. FC Union Berlin at the start of a stressful autumn. “We should approach this phase with a smile and with enthusiasm,” the Eintracht Frankfurt coach appealed to his players on Thursday. Before the Winter World Cup in Qatar, they are facing a deadline hunt with six English weeks in a row. “The most important thing is that we don’t whine now. The lads are highly professional and in very good shape. We’ll also give them one or two days off to get the energy and focus they need again,” emphasized Glasner.
In the duel with the “Iron” from the capital in the sold-out Frankfurt Arena this Saturday (3:30 p.m. / Sky), the Hessians want to put aside their weakness at home and score three points. Only two of the 13 Bundesliga games played in front of the club this calendar year have been won. “Maybe we go into the home games with too many expectations and put ourselves under a bit of pressure,” speculated Glasner. “It will be important to ignore that. We have to concentrate on our performance because we want to get a few more points at home.”
The Berliners, who are still unbeaten this season, will not make it easy for the Frankfurters in the dress rehearsal for the Champions League group game against Tottenham Hotspur next Tuesday. “Union is a clever team. They act very compactly and are one of the best transition teams,” Glasner said of the rivals. “It will be difficult to create space and not concede counterattacks at the same time. And it requires effectiveness in front of goal.”
The 49-year-old football teacher will most likely have to do without defensive player Kristijan Jakic. The 25-year-old is suffering from an inflammation in his hip. “There is a big question mark behind his commitment. He hasn’t trained for almost two weeks,” reported Glasner. Right-back Almamy Touré is definitely not available. The last injured Frenchman is out due to an infection. But left-backs Luca Pellegrini and Christopher Lenz have returned to training. “On the whole, the personnel situation looks good,” said Glasner.
Because Captain Sebastian Rode can get involved again. “He made good use of the international break. I’m pleased that Sebastian is relatively stable and fit now,” said Glasner. “His experience and quality is good for us.” However, it is clear that the 31-year-old will not play all 13 games before the World Cup break. “With him we will have to think about giving him a break because otherwise it won’t be enough for him three days later,” said Glasner. Rode will definitely run up against Union.
