Toppmoller: Pleased with defending, Conte’s words a compliment | OneFootball

Eintracht Frankfurt coach Dino Toppmoller spoke at the press conference at the end of the Champions League match against Napoli, played at the Maradona. The game ended 0-0, mainly thanks to a careful defensive phase by the Germans, who, despite Napoli’s significant possession, never allowed too much space to Antonio Conte’s attackers.

Toppmoller’s words at the end of Napoli-Eintracht

Dino Toppmoller’s words in the press conference after the Champions League match between Napoli and Eintracht Frankfurt.

“Certainly, tactics played a fundamental role. We knew that the defensive phase would be important, knowing that Napoli develops play well on the wings. We could definitely have done more up front. We created little, but we were playing against the Italian champions. There was a lot of talk about the defensive phase, and tonight the boys showed they know how to execute it in a very mature way.”

A match that feels like a win?

“It’s not as if we won, we would have liked to. But we achieved a good draw. The mood in the locker room was positive, and we can build something good on this draw. Despite the difficult matches ahead, we have the chance to qualify.”

On the excellent work by the central defenders

“During the international break, we asked ourselves how we could achieve a good defensive phase; we focused a lot on this. Even with a three-man defense, the boys feel good, and against opponents like Napoli, that extra man can be useful. Koch did well, confirming the high level of his recent performances tonight. Hojlund is not easy to face. The fullbacks also did well, avoiding one-on-ones on the flanks with Napoli, and the attacking midfielders also defended very well. Today we knew we had to defend well, and we held up well.”

On Burkardt

“I have to say he worked diligently in the defensive phase, faced many duels. On second balls, he did well in terms of energy. He could have created more in the box, but he worked a lot defensively until the 93rd minute, just like his teammates.”

On his strike partner

“Today we wanted to have Matteo alongside Burkardt, and tonight it was clear we wouldn’t have many chances. We had to focus on the defensive phase and play compactly. Maybe with a back four we played our best offensive games, but now with a back three it’s the opposite. Now we have a bit more time to fine-tune the offensive mechanisms even with a three-man defense.”

On the attacking department

“Gotze brings great calm to the field thanks to his experience, makes the right decisions, and has a sixth sense for pushing the team forward. I think that’s why he’s very important for us.”

On the issues worked on during the break

“With one more player in the defensive phase, you feel more secure. With three at the back, you also have to know how to defend aggressively, and we train a lot on this. The goalkeeper’s role has also been carefully worked on. The boys worked a lot last season as well, so it wasn’t very difficult to switch to a three-man defense.”

Did you play for the absent fans?

“We always play for our fans. For the team, the message received from them was important. They followed us on TV even though they couldn’t come. It’s not easy to play without them, given the special relationship we have with them in Frankfurt. This result was very important also in light of the absence of our fans.”

On Conte’s words

Yes, in the defensive phase there is no nation better than Italy. In terms of defensive tactics, they are very good, and my boys showed a great defensive phase today.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.