Key Highlights
- Dino Toppmöller takes a harder line with players ahead of Bremen match.
- Toppmöller expresses frustration over Hugo Larsson’s recurring injuries.
- The coach shows understanding for player Arthur Theate but warns of new expectations in the team.
- Eintraht Frankfurt faces criticism for defensive issues and inconsistent play.
Eintracht Frankfurt Takes a Harder Line with Players Ahead of Bremen Match
In preparation for their upcoming match against Werder Bremen, Eintracht Frankfurt’s head coach Dino Toppmöller has taken a more assertive approach in his interactions with players. This shift became evident during the press conference before the game, held on January 15, 2026.
Frustration Over Injury Recurrence
The tone of the conversation quickly turned serious when Toppmöller was asked about Hugo Larsson’s latest absence due to injury. The coach, known for his typically reserved demeanor, avoided clichés and directly expressed his dissatisfaction. “It is also in terms of frequency that I cannot accept this,” he stated. “The player is responsible, we need to find out the reasons behind these frequent absences.” This marked a departure from Toppmöller’s usual cautious approach.
Understanding Player Behavior
Regarding Arthur Theate’s verbal altercation in a previous match against Stuttgart, Toppmöller initially tried to downplay the incident. However, his tone was more assertive and irritable than usual. He did express understanding for Theate’s anger but emphasized that such behavior needed to change moving forward: “We cannot treat everyone with kid gloves; we are in professional football. I also need criticism; then a player must be able to handle it when the coach gets loud.”
Self-Critical Players
Multiple sources suggest that this new assertiveness is appreciated by many within the team, as they feel the coach has finally found his voice. Toppmöller himself acknowledged feeling a certain level of frustration: “There is some anger because we played against second and third-placed teams and could have taken more points.” The coach stressed the importance of improving defensively, noting that after equalizing in Stuttgart, the team quickly lost possession, leading to defensive issues.
Defensive Concerns
Toppmöller highlighted the complexity of addressing the defense, stating: “After equalizing, it was very little with the ball. We quickly lost the ball and had no depth in the second half.” He also emphasized the need for a positive result to alleviate pressure on both players and himself.
While some key players like Can Uzun and Nathaniel Brown are returning from injury, Mario Götze and Hugo Larsson remain unavailable. Despite this, Toppmöller remains confident in his team’s ability: “I don’t feel under pressure; I have trust in our qualities.
We can develop offensive strength and reward our efforts.” The match against Bremen on Friday at 20:30 will be crucial for both teams.
The Eintracht Frankfurt-Pfaffendorf vs Werder Bremen match is set to take place on January 20, 2026. Meanwhile, Werder Bremen struggles with ongoing issues and has not won in six matches, missing goals over the same period. This could present an opportunity for Eintracht but also a potential trap if they suffer another setback.
For more insights into the match and player updates, visit hessenschau.de.
