After a great start to the season, Eintracht frankfurt has recently stumbled. In the Bundesliga, the Champions League participant is only in the dismal midfield. Sports director Markus Krösche (45) takes a position on the sporting crisis before the home game on Sunday (7.30 p.m., DAZN and in the WELT live ticker).
Ask: Mr. Krösche, the 0-0 draw in Naples puts Eintracht on target in the Champions League. The club is lagging behind the demands in the league, right?
Markus Krösche: In terms of points, I have to say that. We are five points too few due to Union (3:4/d. Red.) and Heidenheim (1:1/d. Red.).
ask: How vital is the home game against Mainz in this context?
Krösche: Of course it’s not decisive for the season, but it is important. We’re playing at home,so of course our goal is to win the game.
Ask: So you can lick your wounds a bit during the international break?
Krösche: We knew exactly what to expect this season.And after the Champions League draw anyway. Because against such opponents, every small mistake leads to a scoring possibility and every larger one leads to a goal being conceded. Of course it doesn’t feel good when you actually experience it. But that’s part of the development of a young team.
Ask: The habitat, on the other hand, is very critical. Do you expect more understanding?
Krösche: We certainly know our environment, that’s normal (smiles). And expectations always increase a little with success. But we have to know where we come from and classify it correctly.
Ask: Though, the demands of the players have also increased. Our impression: They where partly overwhelmed by this.
Krösche: I think it’s good when the players have high expectations of themselves because that leads to us being prosperous. Of course, they were also dissatisfied after the negative results. What is crucial, though, is that against dortmund and naples, such as, they concentrated again on the things that are the basis of football.
Ask: Is called?
Krösche: Of course,players and we as a team want to score goals,do magic and play. And we know that we are capable of playing football well. Still, it’s about the basics of playing against the ball.About winning duels and having a good structure and aggressiveness as a team.
Ask: Before the start of the season, the goal was to play with a back four in order to implement attractive and dominant possession football. But coach Dino Toppmöller is currently relying on the more defensive five-man chain. Is he right?
Krösche: A coach has to react to what he sees. And if you concede too many goals, you have to deviate from your ideal image.This is pure pragmatism and correct. Of course,our goal is to play with a back four to have one more offensive player on the pitch. But Dino wanted to regain stability. And that succeeded.
ask: Elye Wahi, Michy Batshuayi, Jonathan Burkardt – currently only the latter meets the demands of the storm, right?
Krösche: In principle it might very well be a little better, that’s true. Jonny is doing very well and the others,when they come in,have to show the coach that they can help us. But Elye in particular… I almost feel sorry for the boy. As a striker he needs a sense of achievement, then he will have a different self-image, a new lightness.I just wish he scores a goal.
Ask: will you bring in a new striker in the winter? As you know, you’re on William Osula.
Krösche: There
Bundesliga Buzz: Krösche on New Signings, Bayern’s dominance, and Refereeing Realities
Frankfurt, Germany – As the Bundesliga season heats up, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Sporting Director, Markus Krösche, is offering a candid look at the club’s transfer strategy, the seemingly unstoppable force of Bayern Munich, and the often-heated debate surrounding refereeing in Germany. In an exclusive interview, Krösche shed light on the rationale behind some of Frankfurt’s key acquisitions and shared his predictions for the league’s titans.
When asked about the club’s recent signings, Krösche didn’t hold back, highlighting four players who have caught his eye: Brown, Burkardt, Robin Koch, and Nnamdi Collins.
All four, i.e.: brown, Burkardt, Robin Koch and also Nnamdi Collins.
Krösche stated, emphasizing the strategic thinking behind each addition.
The inclusion of Nnamdi Collins, a young defender, might raise eyebrows for some, especially given his absence from recent German national team call-ups under Julian Nagelsmann. However, Krösche sees immense potential.
Nnamdi is 1.92 meters, runs 36 km/h, has very good duel skills, can play as a central defender, in a three-man chain or as a full-back.So he’s extremely flexible and he’s young.We don’t have that many players like that in this position in the league.
Krösche explained, drawing a parallel to the kind of versatile, athletic defenders that are highly valued in leagues like the NFL, where players often need to adapt to multiple roles. He further elaborated on the strengths of the other signings: For me, Nene is the best left-back at the moment, Jonny is one of the best strikers. Robin is also a top defender,which he has shown again recently. And he is a real personality.
Addressing the surprise surrounding Collins’ inclusion despite his national team status, Krösche remained confident. True, but he has those basic skills and quality prevails. I think he will convince Julian with his performance in the end.
This sentiment echoes the belief in many American sports leagues that raw talent and consistent club performance can eventually earn national recognition, much like a promising rookie in the NBA or NFL can force their way into the conversation with standout play.
The conversation then shifted to the perennial question of Bayern Munich’s dominance. Krösche believes the Bavarians are poised for another strong season, especially under the guidance of new coach Vincent Kompany.
They are now in their second year with Vincent Kompany, who has already proven at Burnley that he is a very good coach. He has the best team in the league, an incredible striker in Harry Kane, they work very well as a team, are a unit with and against the ball. That’s why I trust them that they can win every game.
Krösche asserted, acknowledging the formidable combination of talent and coaching.
His confidence extends to their Champions League aspirations. If they play like they did in the first half against Paris St. Germain or like they did against Chelsea, then they are definitely a title contender.
This suggests that while consistency is key,Bayern’s peak performances are on par with the best in Europe,a familiar narrative for powerhouse clubs in any major sport.
Though, not all aspects of the Bundesliga are met with such unreserved praise. The topic of refereeing standards has become a hot-button issue, with some suggesting a decline in quality. Krösche urged for a more measured approach.
I think we have to be a little careful. I don’t think this top-down approach, this generalization, this populism is right. We have to treat each other differently. Referees are people and people make mistakes. Like players,like those responsible in the clubs.
He emphasized, advocating for a more understanding and less accusatory environment, akin to how coaches and analysts in American sports often defend officials amidst public outcry.
Despite this call for empathy, Krösche acknowledged the need for betterment. And yet: you have to improve. On the subject of decision-making, on the use of VAR and on the subject of personality and communication. We have to see that we can get to a different level.
he specifically highlighted the importance of personality
in refereeing, a concept that resonates with the idea of strong leadership and clear communication frequently enough sought in sports officials, from referees in basketball to umpires in baseball.
Potential Areas for Further Investigation:
* Nnamdi Collins’ Development: How will Krösche’s faith in Collins translate to consistent playing time and performance? Can he become a key player for Eintracht Frankfurt and perhaps earn that national team call-up?
* Kompany’s Impact on Bayern: Beyond individual talent, how is Kompany’s coaching philosophy shaping Bayern Munich’s team dynamics and tactical approach, notably in european
they lead the games confidently and don’t let themselves get infected by the hectic pace. We have to work on ensuring that they have a certain degree of sovereignty and a good relationship with the players, even in challenging situations. As a referee, you are a leading figure and you have to act like that.
Ask: Do you have any suggestions for solutions?
Krösche: Ultimately it is indeed nothing other than what we discuss when it comes to our player training.As German football, we have to ensure that the youngsters are trained better, that they are involved from the ground up, and that they are trained much earlier and more intensively.
Ask: That sounds like profiteering.
Krösche: Yes, and I’m also for the professional referee! If you have another job on the side, you won’t be able to fully focus.the game is becoming faster and more intense, plus the many preparations and follow-ups, the physical demands and the simultaneous perception of situations… This only works if you do it professionally. We talk about professionalization when it comes to improving the Bundesliga product.
The interview was conducted for the Sports Competence Centre (WELT, „Bild“, “sport Image”) was created and first published in “Bild am Sonntag”.
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