Frankfurt / Main (dpa / lhe) – If there had been a duel with VfL Bochum a few weeks ago, Eintracht Frankfurt’s coach Oliver Glasner would certainly have struck a more bold tone in the run-up to the game. But after a negative series of the last six competitive games without a win, the Hessians have lost their self-confidence. So it’s no wonder that Glasner refrains from loud victory slogans before the home game in the Bundesliga on Friday evening (8.30 p.m. / DAZN). “It’s a challenge, for sure,” said the Austrian about the task against the rival who is in the relegation battle.
He recently landed two wins in a row and wants to continue this series on the Main. Of course, this would not be in the spirit of Eintracht, who have not won since the 2-0 win against Werder Bremen in mid-February and, being sixth in the table with 40 points, have lost touch with the top group.
However, Glasner does not want to know anything about a form crisis in the Europa League winner. “In the course of a season there is sometimes a dent. Now to interpret that the players’ heads are somewhere else – I don’t do it. The boys are playing a cool season,” said the 48-year-old on Wednesday.
That may be true in general, but it doesn’t apply to the past games. The worm was there both offensively and defensively. After the 2-0 loss at 1. FC Union Berlin almost two weeks ago, this even led to an emotional outburst in Glasner, who publicly criticized the weaknesses in defense.
During the international break, he worked up the deficits with the professionals who were not in action for their national teams. “I explained my point of view to the defensive players – as always after games, even after wins,” reported Glasner.
Before the Bochum game, the Frankfurters are plagued by some personnel worries, of all things in defence. In addition to the suspended Tuta and the injured Almamy Touré, Hrvoje Smolcic is also in danger of missing. The Croatia Under-21 international returned from England’s international game feeling stricken and underwent a thorough examination in hospital on Wednesday. “He’s in pain. There’s a chance he won’t be available,” Glasner said.
An increase is also needed in attack. “It will be important to be efficient. Recently we had clear chances that we couldn’t take. We want to do better,” said Glasner. In particular, he relies on top scorers Randal Kolo Muani and Rafael Borré, who enjoyed success in internationals with France and Colombia. “The fact that Kolo was first choice as a striker for France is a tribute to his development. And Rafa’s goal against Japan was great. He’s worked a lot lately, but not had that little bit of luck. Maybe it’s easier now,” said Glasner.
© dpa-infocom, dpa:230329-99-134219/3
