Eintracht Frankfurt is slightly criticized and urgently wants to show a better face against VfL Bochum. The new star from Paris St. Germain is not yet an issue.

Eintracht Frankfurt is a bit of a mixed bag this season. Their performances often differ. One thing is clear: Eintracht had to cope with a major upheaval in the summer.

In the winter, there were again prominent readjustments. Not every cog is meshing yet. This is how a performance like the 0-2 against 1. FC Cologne comes about. In the end, Frankfurt was left with nine men on the pitch.

Both Niels Nkounkou (yellow-red) and Tuta (yellow-red) were sent off and will be missing on Saturday against VfL Bochum (3:30 p.m.). Nevertheless, Eintracht coach Dino Toppmöller remains confident: “We are set up defensively in such a way that, despite the two suspensions, we can keep an open mind about whether to line up with a back three or back four. In any case, we will put a strong defense on the pitch.”

And a performance that should be better than in Cologne. The former pro is clear: ”Criticism for the performance in Cologne is okay. We’ll face it. But I’m far from saying that things are going badly. It’s true that we couldn’t improve a good starting position.”

That should now be done against VfL, Toppmöller looks at the 90 minutes and sets the course: “We want to seize the next chance on Saturday with everything we have and do better in all respects. It’s about developing high intensity and energy from the start against VfL. Everyone should immediately see that we absolutely want to win by being dominant and pressing.”

Toppmöller does not want to give away his starting line-up, but Willian Pacho is back after his suspension and Omar Marmoush is also an option again. Toppmöller only says that Sebastian Rode is not yet a candidate for the starting eleven. “I am in very good contact with Sebastian Rode. He currently feels he can play at a very high level for 30 to 35 minutes. Accordingly, he will not be in the starting lineup on Saturday.”

The same applies to new signing Hugo Ekitiké, who Frankfurt signed from Paris St. Germain. Topmöller on his new star: ‘To reach your full potential, you need physical fitness. It’s about finding the right mix. We all have to be patient with him to some extent.’