“We need to play with energy” | OneFootball

Ahead of Eintracht’s trip to Mainz, head coach Adi Hütter issues an injury update and shares his thoughts on the Eagles’ defence, their system and their Matchday 3 opponents.

Head coach Adi Hütter on …

… personnel: “We still have two days left until the game. I expect one or two players to return to the starting XI. Nnamdi Collins has been training with us since Wednesday, although he’s obviously still a little short of fitness. Ansgar Knauff is closing in on a return – it remains to be seen if he’ll be fit in time for Mainz.”

… central defence: “Robin Koch is good enough to play as a number six, but we’ve strengthened in that area by bringing in Raphael Onyedika and don’t have any issues in defensive midfield, generally speaking. Jeremiaha Maluze did well against Union. Lilian Brassier has been with us for just under a week. We still need a little more time to develop our patterns of play so that we can improve defensively and play successful football again.”

… Eintracht’s system: “The goals we conceded against Augsburg had absolutely nothing to do with our system. Whether we’re playing with a back four or a back five, you have to be strong in the tackle and clear the ball out of dangerous areas. That’s what we were lacking and where we need to improve. That said, as a coach you always have to be flexible. Time will tell whether we make any changes.”

… the upcoming game against Mainz: “If we play like we did in the first half against Augsburg, we’ll put in a good performance against Mainz. They made headlines with their 5-0 win in Hamburg and are a well-drilled side. It all comes down to the intensity with which we approach the game. We need to rise to the challenge from the first minute, throw ourselves into tackles and play with energy. If we do that, I’m confident we’ll put in a good performance.”

… analysing the home defeat to Augsburg: “We were ahead at half-time against both Augsburg and Union but couldn’t see either game out. That’s something we’ve addressed in no uncertain terms. We’re working on our mental sharpness and focus. We can’t be thrown off course too easily. Playing as individuals, as we have been in the second half, simply doesn’t work. That’s what we’re focusing on ahead of our upcoming games. I’m convinced we’ll get back on track relatively quickly.”