“We can take a big step” | OneFootball

Dino Toppmöller and Ritsu Doan share their thoughts on the Deutsche Bank Park atmosphere, opponents Atalanta BC and Eintracht’s objectives on Wednesday.

Eintracht Frankfurt host Atalanta BC on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Champions League league phase on Wednesday evening. Kick-off at Deutsche Bank Park is at 21:00 CET. At the pre-match press conference, Dino Toppmöller and Ritsu Doan spoke about…

… Eintracht’s approach

Dino Toppmöller: “Our aim is clear – we want to get three points. With our fantastic fans, we can create a special atmosphere here. It’s a 50-50 game. We’re always going to be put to the test in the Champions League. To reach the top at this level, you need to go into every game with maximum energy and focus, and always strive to deliver a top performance. You always need that mindset.”

Ritsu Doan: “The atmosphere will be crazy. It’s always special to play in the Champions League. I’m really looking forward to it.”

… the Eagles’ position

Dino Toppmöller: “We can take a big step towards the play-offs, but there are still more games to come after this. We really want to win – we can all see the table. When we drove to the stadium for training today and saw all the banners with the Champions League logos, we realised this is special. That’s exactly how we should feel – it’s a highlight. We’re expecting a breathtaking atmosphere and we want that atmosphere to spur us to victory.” 

Ritsu Doan: “The individual quality in the Champions League is definitely different – it’s a very high level with a very high intensity. We’re feeling good and know what we’re capable of. We’re always learning, but we also know what we need to do on the pitch in our next few games to achieve something.”  

… opponents Atalanta BC

Dino Toppmöller: “Atalanta are very solid defensively in the Champions League, but we also know they’ve had a few problems in the league, where they haven’t performed to their full potential. I still regard them as a very experienced, solid side with some great attacking players. We’re in for a tough game. There will be lots of individual battles across the whole pitch and it’ll be very physical – we’re prepared for that.”

… Mo Dahoud

Dino Toppmöller: “He needs to keep going and give his all, then he’ll get his chance. He’s a good example for everyone who might be lower in the pecking order at the moment. He showed that emphatically against Cologne, not only with his goal but with his composure on the ball. With our way of playing football, he’s a very good fit at the moment.”

… Rasmus Kristensen

Dino Toppmöller: “We felt that the game against Cologne was the right time for a break. He’d played a lot for us and was then called up for international duty. The idea [to rest him] formed while I was watching Denmark’s game in Scotland. He’s obviously in contention for a place in the starting XI against Atalanta.”