Football Season Guide

Another historic campaign for Eintracht Frankfurt last season as they finished third in the league table for only the first time since 1993 to secure qualification to the Champions League. Frankfurt enjoyed an excellent first half of the campaign and at one time looked to be in the title race. While they did hit a rough patch midway through the season, a strong finish ensured there were no late collapses as they secured a third place finish. Pressure will be on coach Dino Toppmoller to repeat the performance this time around and he will have to do without two of his key players, with Omar Marmoush being sold in the winter transfer window while his replacement Hugo Ekitike has also left this summer. First choice defender Tuta is the only other significant departure with Toppmoller managing to hold on to most of his squad this summer though there may be change in the goal before the new season starts with reports suggesting Kevin Trapp is close to a move back to France. Frankfurt have improved their options in the attack with Jonathan Burkardt, who enjoyed a good season with Mainz, while Ritsu Doan has also been signed. Rasmus Kristensen established himself as first choice on the right flank and his loan has since been converted into a permanent move while Michael Zetterer is being targeted should Trapp leave the club. Expect January signings Elye Wahi and Michy Batshuayi to also improve after the duo struggled to break into the team in the second half of the season. With a new look front line, Frankfurt's prospects will depend on how quickly their attack starts firing though they do have enough quality in the other areas of the pitch to ensure another European finish this season.