Eintracht Frankfurt challenges FC Bayern to open the 60th anniversary season in the Bundesliga. The Hessians approach the difficult task with euphoria and confidence. The trainer announces a big fight.
Frankfurt / Main (dpa / lhe) - Oliver Glasner has long since caught the big tingle before the Bundesliga kick-off against Bayern Munich. "Friday evening, prime time, against the German champions - football heart, what more could you want," said the Eintracht Frankfurt coach on Wednesday.
The duel of the Europa League winners with the record champions and defending champions this Friday (8.30 p.m. / Sat.1 and DAZN) not only electrified the Frankfurt soccer teacher, but fans worldwide. The game, for which all 51,500 tickets were sold out within a very short time, will be broadcast in around 200 countries. "The whole world is watching. We want to do justice to that," said Glasner.
For the 47-year-old Austrian, Munich are once again the top favorite for the title. The Hessians do not want to freeze in awe in front of the star ensemble from the Isar for the million-dollar purchases Sadio Mané (Liverpool FC) and Matthijs de Ligt (Juventus Turin).
"I think Bayern will be in the lead again throughout the season because they have a really great team. But we're not raising the white flag, we'll do everything we can to start the season with a home win. In a It's always possible to win a game, against any team in the world," emphasized Glasner and announced: "We want to play with high intensity and give Bayern a real fight."
Eintracht also increased their staff in the summer in order to cope better with the triple burden of the Bundesliga, DFB Cup and first-time participation in the Champions League this season than in the previous season. The sovereign 4-0 victory in the first round of the cup at second division club 1. FC Magdeburg provided a first clue. "Of course that was good. We feel well prepared," said Glasner.
His protégés are looking forward to the game. "We want to show that we can hold our own against the best team in Germany," said attacking player Jesper Lindström. Former world champion Mario Götze is also looking forward to the cracker against his former club. "The first home game against Bayern, it will be good," said the midfielder who came from Eindhoven.
The 30-year-old plays an important role in the coach's tactical considerations. "We want to leave Bayern little room and make the best possible use of what they offer us. Mario can do that in all areas. He can work very well against the ball, resolve situations and use players from deep," said Glasner about the World Cup heroes of 2014 and prophesied: "We will see a Mario Götze with a lot of enthusiasm and in great shape."
The Eintracht coach, on the other hand, is not yet entirely sure about the best tactical system. "It would be a consideration to condense the center even more," said Glasner. That would speak in favor of Sebastian Rode playing in defensive midfield. But who should give way for the captain after the strong performance in Magdeburg? "It's not all final yet," emphasized Glasner. "We sit down with the analysts, let our heads smoke - and white smoke will rise on Friday."
