Everything should get better at Eintracht Frankfurt from now on. The new coach Albert Riera is supposed to do it – in some respects he is an alternative to his predecessor Dino Toppmöller.
Something has changed at Eintracht Frankfurt, and that became clear very quickly on Tuesday in the struggling Bundesliga club’s professional camp. The feel-good atmosphere under former coach Dino Toppmöller, who was always exemplary and courteous in his dealings, but ultimately failed because of it, is history. The Hessians have had a good wipe-out, now it’s time to stop the fall and start again. Mainly responsible for this from now on: Albert Riera43 years old, trainer type: tough dog.
Riera sees solutions, not problems
The Spaniard, who answered the questions at his introductory press conference in English and also spoke to his team, exuded real boss vibes on his second day of work in Frankfurt. As he spoke, Riera opened his eyes and looked almost piercingly at his counterpart. He formulated his sentences clearly and unambiguously, “It’s not about problems, it’s about solutions. I am convinced that my solutions will help us.” One thing is clear: Riera does not allow any doubts about his mission and, above all, himself. Someone gets serious.
In keeping with this, the native Mallorcan once again repeated the things that were most important to him, which he had dictated into the club microphones immediately after his arrival in Frankfurt on Monday. It’s primarily about self-confidence, passion, energy and discipline, says Riera. All qualities that the Eintracht professionals have not embodied in the recent past. The fact that Riera starts in the minds of the players is therefore the right step. “A player with self-confidence is 50 percent stronger. I give them that self-confidence.” Sounds complicated. But it obviously goes without saying that Riera can do this.
Doubt doesn’t suit Rieras Self-image
And anyway: Riera doesn’t have any self-doubt. As one of his first official acts, he introduced a list of penalties and announced that professionals who ignored his rules would be fined and given additional work. “The players can come late, no problem. But then they work with the gardener for an hour, for example.” A sentence that will definitely be very well received by Felix Magath. A sentence that also shows that from now on a different wind is blowing at Eintracht. The new Frankfurt law is called Riera. His ideas are set, the team will trust him and follow him, said the Spaniard: “If I tell the players to jump from the balcony, then they will jump.”
A quick look back makes it clear how important a new beginning is on the coaching bench and in terms of the team atmosphere. In January, which can safely be described as disastrous from the Hessians’ perspective, five of seven games ended in defeat, the point wins against Dortmund (3:3) and in Bremen (3:3) didn’t feel much better. The exit from the Champions League and the separation from Toppmöller were unavoidable and, in the case of the long-time successful coach, probably even came too late. After conceding 20 goals in one month and the completely ineffective switch to interim solution Dennis Schmitt, Eintracht urgently needs external help.
Players have to get out of their comfort zone
That Riera could be the right man to resuscitate this team, which has seemed frighteningly lifeless in recent weeks, became definitely clear during his first public appearance in Eintracht clothes. It cannot be denied that a certain aura surrounds the football lover, who has repeatedly emphasized his penchant for an attractive style of play. Riera radiates something, the Spaniard seems like a leader who fearlessly leads the way and supports his team unconditionally. At the same time, this also became clear, he doesn’t allow any excuses. Anyone who doesn’t go along will fail. “When we’re outside this compound, we can drink wine or beer together. In here, it’s all about success.”
This mix of sovereignty, self-confidence and will to win could be exactly what Eintracht needs now. Riera, the first and very clear impression, is an alternative to Toppmöller and therefore the right choice. Clear announcements, a clear plan and natural authority are exactly the ingredients that are needed to get Eintracht back out of this valley. It sounds trite, but the players who have been carried on their hands in recent years and rushing from success to success finally have to get out of their comfort zone. Eintracht is far from being in a relegation battle. But the setting has to feel like it. Someone like Riera can do it.
The fact that sports director Markus Krösche, who first met with the new coach two and a half years ago, has recently noticed a “save yourself who can” mentality in the team fits into the picture. Only a radical cut will help.
Riera has to hurry
In terms of football, Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola’s buddy relies more on the fine blade – at least in the long term. Security passes and fear of making mistakes are now on the index. Riera thinks offensively, Riera wants spectacle. “I believe in my teams putting on a show. If we have two goals, we want three. If we have three goals, we want four.”
However, it remains to be seen how long it will take for Eintracht to internalize the new coach’s concept and bring it to life. From one day to the next, Riera will certainly not be able to boost the struggling Hessians. However, since sports director Krösche made it clear once again that qualification for Europe was still the goal, an effect should be seen as quickly as possible. Can Riera do it? In any case, he himself believes in it very strongly.
