Frankfurt’s Dino Toppmöller ahead of Galatasaray clash: “It feels extraordinary” | OneFootball

Ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt’s UEFA Champions League opener against Turkish champions Galatasaray, head coach Dino Toppmöller met the press to give his thoughts on his side’s return to the promised land of European football.

Thursday’s clash with Galatasaray on Matchday 1 of the 2025/26 Champions League campaign marks only the second time the Eagles have played in Europe’s elite club competition, having not done so since 2022/23 after winning the UEFA Europa League the season prior under then-manager Oliver Glasner.

Toppmöller acknowledged the significance of the occasion in his press conference, telling official club sources: “It feels extraordinary to play in the Champions League with Eintracht – and that’s exactly what it is. The message I want to give the boys is this: enjoy our place in the competition that we earned last season. But of course, we aim to pick up points and win games.”

Recognising the importance this fixture will have for the Eintracht home fans, who will be welcoming Champions League football back to Deutsche Bank Park, the Frankfurt manager added:

“The atmosphere in our stadium is always fantastic. We know about the special nature of European nights – it’s an entirely different affair under the floodlights. Generally, this is nothing new for us; we always look forward to playing in our wonderful stadium. Playing at home is definitely an advantage for us.”

Turning his attention towards opponents Galatasaray, Toppmöller cut a focused figure, declaring: “The most important message is to go into the match against Galatasaray with great anticipation – with focus and hunger. If we approach every game like that, with a little bit of luck and the fans behind us, then anything is possible in every match. Playing in the Champions League is something special, and we want to make Thursday a special day – ideally with a home win. Galatasaray will have eleven top players on the pitch, but so will we.”

GGFN | Sam Carey