Burkardt is threatened with a longer absence
©IMAGO
Dino Toppmöller’s red sweater symbolized the level of alarm that prevails at Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League this fall. 1:5 at Atlético Madrid, 1:5 against Liverpool FC and now 0:3 against Atalanta Bergamo – instead of the magical European nights they had hoped for, the Hessians are experiencing defeat after defeat on the international stage.
“At this level you will be severely punished. I’m already disappointed. We weren’t good enough at this level,” said sports director Markus Krösche. A memorable six-minute collapse, the third clear defeat in the premier class and an impending loss of top striker Jonathan Burkardt, who had to go out injured: It was a completely used evening for the Hessians.
Toppmöller seemed appropriately served when he appeared in front of the press an hour after the final whistle. “It’s very, very annoying. It was more about us today than about an overpowering opponent,” said the 45-year-old, whose team is delivering results this season that read like a roll of the dice. Especially in the Champions League, Eintracht, who were seen as the first Bayern hunters before the season, currently seems completely overwhelmed.
As if the sporting situation wasn’t tricky enough, goalkeeper Burkardt is now also in danger of being out. The 25-year-old suffered a muscle injury in his calf during a duel and is scheduled to undergo an MRI scan on Thursday. Anyone who saw how laboriously Burkardt limped the long way to the bank realized that it could take weeks.
“Jonny is extremely important, that’s why we always want him on the pitch. Nevertheless, we have to defend it better,” said captain Robin Koch. Burkardt had barely left the pitch when Frankfurt conceded three goals within six minutes from Ademola Lookman (60th), Éderson (62nd) and Charles De Ketelaere (65th). “We’re giving the game away, you have to say,” said Koch, who harshly judged: “Stupid of us.”
Two central failures hurt Eintracht Frankfurt
In the absence of youngster Can Uzun, who is still missing, a Burkardt failure would be particularly painful. There is virtually no equivalent replacement in the squad for the striker who came from Mainz. Like winger Rasmus Kristensen, he is also one of the leading players. The Dane was missing against Bergamo for personal reasons. “That’s quite a challenge,” said Toppmöller about the short-term personnel loss.
With just four points, a poor goal difference and currently 28th place, progress is becoming increasingly unlikely. The rest of the program is also difficult with a guest appearance at FC Barcelona and a game against Tottenham. “We have to collect points, but the games won’t get any easier. We have to believe in it, then we’ll continue in Barcelona,” said Koch. He didn’t exude any confidence.
Toppmöller is looking for “the best medicine” for Eintracht Frankfurt
The Hessians experienced a similar low blow to the one against Bergamo against Liverpool in October, when they conceded three goals in ten minutes and the score was 5-1. “You can concede a goal, but then we can’t stop defending,” criticized Krösche, who looked crestfallen in the arena’s catacombs. The Frankfurt team have already conceded 37 goals in 18 games across all competitions. The official added tellingly that the team was “afraid of their own courage”.
Toppmöller announced a day off for Friday to clear his head for the next Bundesliga game against VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday (5:30 p.m./DAZN). “The best medicine is always to give a good answer directly to today’s result,” he said. When the coach concluded his remarks and said goodbye shortly before midnight, the clock showed five to twelve.
