“We badly want the three points” | OneFootball

At the pre-match press conference before the trip to Cologne, Dino Toppmöller discusses the objective, the team news, Mario Götze and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya.

Eintracht Frankfurt are back in action away at 1. FC Köln on Saturday 22 November, 15:30 CET. At his pre-match press conference, head coach Dino Toppmöller answered questions on…

… the team news: “Can Uzun, Oscar Højlund and Hugo Larsson won’t be available. Jean-Mattéo Bahoya and Farès Chaibi are back in training and we have both at our disposal. All the internationals have come through their travels well.”

… the state of play: “Playing in Cologne is always a difficult task – a great stadium, great crowd. For a promoted team they play good football and have a creative approach. But obviously, we badly want the three points. The break has done us good, switching off a bit – at least for those who weren’t on their travels. Now I’m full of drive and ready to go again. I’ve felt a great energy among the guys who stayed here and were part of the training group. They want to show that tomorrow.” 

… the balance between defence and attack: “You generally need to find that exact balance every year. This season, the challenge has maybe been slightly greater than in the years before because of the Champions League. It was important in the last international break to stabilise the defence and focus on our defensive mentality. However, it’s also up to all of us to play well and successfully going forward. I’m sure we’ll get back to that level.” … Jean-Mattéo Bahoya: “I’ve not detected any real dissatisfaction in him. Of course, everyone in the squad wants maximum game time. How am I performing on the pitch, in training? He had a knock recently and missed one training session. He needs to find the physical stability to get into a rhythm. We’re absolutely satisfied with his development, but we also know that the potential is lurking in him to take giant leaps forward. That’s primarily down to him.”

… Mario Götze: “We’d like to have him on the pitch all the time. What distinguishes him from Can Uzun is: Can is extremely hungry for goals, whereas Mario is more of a provider who likes to set up others. When you watch Mario, not just in matches but also in training, you see someone who has a great lust for football, takes on responsibility and wants to have the ball. We’re glad that he’s physically in the condition where he can help us most.”