Eintracht Frankfurt doesn’t score enough goals, but in Lucas Alario they actually have a striker with a killer instinct in their squad. Coach Dino Toppmöller still doesn’t rely on the Argentine because he doesn’t lend himself to training.
Lucas Alario was supposed to celebrate his return to the Eintracht Frankfurt squad in the game against Heidenheim. At least that’s what coach Dino Toppmöller announced not long ago. The Argentine, who had been out for a long time after knee surgery, was able to gradually increase the training load, took part in test matches again and was supposed to fix the problems in Eintracht’s lame attack.
At least that was the wish and hope of many Hessian supporters. Alario didn’t play a role under Toppmöller’s predecessor Oli Glasner, but he proved enough in Leverkusen that the 31-year-old knows how to score goals. His quota of 43 goals in 146 Bundesliga games still reads well. In Frankfurt, the Argentine simply cannot get going under Toppmöller
“It’s up to him to impose himself”
“We are doing a lot to integrate him. But in the end he has to show that he really wants to,” said the Eintracht coach after the 2-0 home win against Heidenheim. Instead of Alario, 19-year-old Nacho Ferri stormed in from the 67th minute. The Argentine was still not part of the squad.
Toppmöller’s announcement was clear. Alario simply doesn’t offer enough in training. Rumor has it at Eintracht that the Argentine isn’t that keen on playing again and prefers to take it easy. “It’s up to him to impose himself. Everyone has the opportunity to get into the starting line-up,” the head coach leaves the door open for Alario.
A reminder for Dina Ebimbe
Junior Dina Ebimbe also has to go through this door again. Or better yet: rush. The French all-purpose weapon was also not part of the squad against Heidenheim. “I didn’t agree with Junior in the last two games when it came to the investment,” said Toppmöller. The 22-year-old did not show enough willingness to tear himself apart for the team.
The forced break against Heidenheim can be seen as a reminder. If Dina Ebimbe really puts in the work, he’ll be back in the squad. “He is warmly invited to step on the gas again in training,” said Toppmöller. This has been true for Alario for a long time. However, the striker’s return to the squad is becoming less likely from week to week.
