Criticism of performance against HSV
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Eintracht Frankfurt’s sports director Markus Krösche avoided clearly supporting the controversial coach Albert Riera, but also defended the Spaniard’s recent statements. A possible separation from the trainer is not to be expected, at least on Saturday.
“Today the coach is not an issue,” said Krösche after the weak 1:2 at home against Hamburger SV. Krösche did not comment on the extent to which the 44-year-old will be discussed with the Bundesliga club in the coming days. “In the end, it’s ultimately about the team’s performance and you have to say: That’s not enough this season, especially in important games like this.”
Krösche defends Riera’s press conference
Riera caused a stir with a remarkable press conference one day before matchday 32. The Spaniard described the media reports about an alleged dispute with national player Jonathan Burkardt as “total bullshit”. Riera is said to have had a problem with the striker’s supposedly high body fat levels. However, he is said not to have spoken to Burkardt personally about it, but instead sent assistant coach Jan Fießer ahead.
From Krösche’s point of view, this memorable monologue was not an angry speech. “Albert is a personality who wears his heart on his sleeve. And he says what he thinks. You can find that good or bad. I don’t think he really misjudged that many things.”
Riera: “I’m trying my best”
In any case, there has been no real progress on the pitch since Riera took office at the beginning of February. Eintracht has to worry more than ever about qualifying for the European Cup. The Hessians are still seventh in the table, but SC Freiburg can overtake the Hessians with a draw against VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday. The Frankfurt team will also face Borussia Dortmund and VfB Stuttgart this season.
Riera himself answered the question of whether he was worried about his job at Eintracht after the defeat against HSV: “I’ll give my best until the last moment. And if it’s not enough, then it’s not enough. But I’ll try my best.”
