"We didn't really have any solutions": Krösche struggles with Eintracht

SGE sporting director Markus Krösche analyzed Eintracht's performance in clear terms. IMAGO/Jan Huebner

In the end, Frankfurt had a two-man advantage in Leverkusen, but the 2-2 draw was elusive. Instead, Bayer's Alejandro Grimaldo sealed the deal for the runners-up with his second stunning free-kick of the evening, marking the debut of new coach Kasper Hjulmand.

"We didn't come up with enough," analyzed captain Robin Koch on Sky after the sobering performance of the Hesse team, who could have jumped to first place with another win. "We almost invited Leverkusen a bit," said Koch, who saw "little drive towards the goal," especially in the first half.

Maybe all this shit will stop now.

Dino Toppmöller on the question about Bayern-hunter Frankfurt

The German international keeps the ball low anyway. SGE as Bayern chasers? "We haven't let that get to us," said Koch. His coach is more explicit about this after the 3-1 defeat at the BayArena. "Maybe all this shit will stop now," replied Dino Toppmöller when asked about it.

At least it's "not a game that throws us off our stride," Koch says, not wanting to make too much of the loss. Especially since Eintracht Frankfurt never got going at all that evening. "We had simple turnovers, weren't alert enough in one-on-one duels, weren't alert enough throughout the game," complained Markus Krösche, who saw a slight resurgence in the second 45 minutes, "but no real solutions." For the sporting director, Eintracht's performance was "ultimately just not enough."

Can Uzun's 2-1 goal and the half-hour advantage following Robert Andrich's second yellow card didn't change that. "It was a poor performance," Krösche emphasized again, clearly citing SGE's problems. Toppmöller's team "didn't bring what you need for a Bundesliga game if you want to win. That has something to do with ball control and decision-making. It has something to do with alertness, with tackling. And we simply weren't good in that regard today."

Frankfurt now needs to wipe their mouths clean – and then do better on Thursday. After all, Eintracht Frankfurt will be embarking on their Champions League adventure. Galatasaray, including international Leroy Sané, will be visiting the Hesse team. Solutions must be found.