Eintracht Frankfurt ticks off the defeat in the DFB Cup final minutes after the final whistle and celebrates for two incredible years. Coach Oliver Glasner has a lump in his throat and announces that he will celebrate for two days.
The final whistle of the DFB Cup final had just sounded late on Saturday evening when the fans of Eintracht Frankfurt once again presented themselves from their loudest side. When the players of the inferior Hessen wanted to say thank you for the extraordinary support and give some consolation in the curve, the fans turned the tables.
instead of after the 0-2 defeat against RB Leipzig Disappointed to flee, the 50,000 or so Frankfurters present focused on the positive and cheered the entry into the Conference League. The team and fans, who had celebrated so many big football festivals in the past few months and years, formed the often-cited symbiosis even in moments of mourning and celebrated a conciliatory farewell. “European Cup this year.”
hr documentary about the Eintracht cup trip
Eintracht Frankfurt was in the final of the DFB Cup for the ninth time. The club’s special relationship to this competition is the subject of the hr documentary “Berlin, Berlin – Eintracht Frankfurt and the love for the DFB Cup”. It will be broadcast on Monday at 11:15 p.m. on hr television. It will also be shown in the ARD media library.
Eintracht plays properly, Leipzig is ice cold
Eintracht had held up against the defending champions Leipzig surprisingly well for 70 minutes and showed a very strong performance, especially on the defensive. Led by the outstanding captain Sebastian Rode, who was substituted completely exhausted and then had to watch the goals of Christopher Nkunku (71st) and Dominik Szoboszlai (85th) from the bench, the Hessians were close to winning the next title.
However, since Randal Kolo Muani (59th) and Mario Götze (63rd) missed Frankfurt’s best chances, the never top-class, but always exciting final tipped in favor of the Saxons. RB was there when it mattered. The fact that the opening hit was deflected twice suited the game.
“It seemed a bit like this: whoever scores the first goal wins”, summarized Glasner appropriately. “A year ago we were the lucky winners, that’s sport, you have to accept that.” Eintracht tried everything and acted bravely, but the final punch was missing in the closing stages. It just wasn’t meant to be this time.
Glasner thanks Eintracht for the journey together
The great disappointment about the missed opportunity was also evident in the fans, the team and coach Glasner. In no time at all on Saturday evening, however, joy at what had been achieved prevailed. “My emotions fluctuate between pride and gratitude. I’ve spent two fantastic years here and I’m grateful that I was able to be part of this club,” said Glasner. Last year Europa League winner, this season in the Champions League for the first time, plus the renewed qualification for Europe and the next participation in the final. What a record.
Glasner, whose melancholy at his departure from Frankfurt was clearly visible and palpable, was therefore able to draw a credible positive conclusion. “Of course the players are sad in the dressing room, but we had so many beautiful moments together that stick,” he said. “It’s been a great journey. I will carry this group of players and coaches in my heart forever.” It was certainly no coincidence that Glasner left those responsible on the board unmentioned, but it only played a minor role that evening.
picture series
Eintracht’s path to the cup final
Glasner gives the party order
Eintracht, who missed the crowning glory of a turbulent season in the DFB Cup final and had made a few inexplicable appearances in the second half of the Bundesliga, were at peace with themselves in the end. The fans had turned Berlin into a home game on Saturday in Frankfurt 2.0 and the final, the team had once again fought sacrificially. Frustration about the defeat: yes. Anger or blame: no. “We thrilled the crowds, the fans and the city. That’s what drives you,” said Glasner. “Therefore, today is no time for misery.”
Instead of sinking into self-pity, the Austrian ordered a non-title party. The big party with the fans at the Römer will be cancelled, but we still want to celebrate. “I wish that we really let it all out today and toast to these two incredibly successful years,” he said. “We deserve a nice party, I’m going to party for two days now.”
The future of Eintracht is open
As soon as the last glasses are emptied and the hangover is over at some point in the coming days, Eintracht and Glasner will probably review everything again and mourn the missed chance of winning the cup. You can blame the team, at least in the final, but nothing.
The team, which will never play together again, has delighted the fans. Now it’s time for a fresh start. “We’ll be back,” promised sporting director Markus Krösche. With which trainer and with which professionals is currently open.
