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Eintracht Frankfurt will be out to improve on a largely forgettable 2019-20 Bundesliga campaign that culminated in a ninth-place finish and no European football for the new season.
Adi Hütter’s side have been boosted by the permanent signing of striker Andre Silva from AC Milan ahead of their first fixture against newly-promoted Arminia Bielefeld. The Portugal international arrived on loan last summer but has been snapped up after impressing last season with 16 goals in all competitions for Die Adler.
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Starting with the 2020-21 season, anyone in the US can watch every Eintracht Frankfurt game live on ESPN+:
ESPN+ will have live coverage of every Bundesliga match in 20-21, as well as DFL Supercup, Bundesliga 2, Serie A, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, MLS and other live sports. It also includes every 30-for-30 documentary and additional original content (both video and written) all for $5.99 per month.
Or, if you also want Disney+ and Hulu, you can get all three for $12.99 per month, which works out to about 31 percent savings:
Get the ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu Bundle
Once signed up for ESPN+, you can watch every Eintracht Frankfurt match live on the ESPN app on your Roku, Roku TV, Amazon Fire TV or Firestick, Apple TV, Chromecast, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, iPhone, Android phone, iPad or Android tablet. Or you can watch on your computer via ESPN.com.
Eintracht Frankfurt 2020-21 Preview
Eintracht Frankfurt are a team packed full of talent that impressed and frustrated in equal measure last season. Hutter’s side thrashed champions Bayern Munich 5-1 in November but were also beaten by bottom side Paderborn.
Yet there’s quality right throughout the side. Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp is one of Germany’s finest stoppers, while center-back Martin Hinteregger is a dominant presence in defense.
Winger Filip Kostić is arguably Eintracht Frankfurt’s key man further forward. The 27-year-old is a real threat down the flank with his pace and superb left foot. He’s quick, pings crosses into the penalty area, and loves to take players on.
🔥 Filip Kostic’s @Bundesliga_EN stats 19/20 🔥
3️⃣3️⃣ Appearances
4️⃣ Goals
1️⃣1️⃣ Assists
3️⃣4️⃣,8️⃣ km/h top speed
2️⃣0️⃣9️⃣ Crosses
2️⃣9️⃣5️⃣9️⃣ Minutes played
There’s no doubt the potential in the Frankfurt squad at present, and if Hutter can get his team focused and playing at their best on a consistent basis they will be a real threat. The lack of European football may actually help in this regard, allowing the team to concentrate on the Bundesliga and climbing up the table.
Transfer Ins and Outs
It’s been a pretty quiet summer for Eintracht Frankfurt in the transfer market, although the capture of Silva looks to be a smart move. Silva never quite managed to live up to expectations in Serie A with Milan after a €38 million move from FC Porto, scoring just 10 times in 41 appearances, but looks more at home in the Bundesliga.
Silva has signed a three-year deal with the German club, and sporting director Fredi Bobi told the club’s website just how thrilled he is to land the 24-year-old forward permanently.
“Over the last few months we’ve seen what Andre’s capable of. It was no accident that he was the second-best striker in the Bundesliga after the restart. He’s a young and flexible attacker and, at 24, he’s still got potential to improve.
“We’re confident we can take him to another level here in Frankfurt and we’re delighted to have tied a superb striker to the club until summer 2023.”
Bringing in Silva looks to be a good move that should boost Eintracht Frankfurt’s hopes of finishing in a European spot. He was the club’s top scorer last season and offers real quality in attack.
Elsewhere, Swiss midfielder Steven Zuber has arrived from Hoffenheim, with Mijat Gacinovic moving the other way. The 29-year-old has signed on until 2023 and has bags of experience.
Bobi told the official Bundesliga website how Zuber’s versatility is an asset and explained just what his team are hoping the Switzerland international can bring to the team.
“With Steven Zuber we are strengthening ourselves in several positions. On the one hand, he gives us possibilities on both flanks; but he can also play through the middle. He knows the Bundesliga, is an experienced Swiss international, is dangerous in attack and enriches our squad.”
Meanwhile, Frankfurt have said goodbye to Goncalo Paciencia. The Portugal international, who scored 10 goals in all competitions in 2019-20, has moved to Schalke on loan for the season.
Striker Bas Dost is also attracting attention ahead of the season start. The forward is wanted at Tottenham by manager Jose Mourinho on loan, although the Bundesliga club would prefer a permanent deal, according to the Guardian.
Manager: Adi Hütter
Adi Hütter arrived in 2018 from Young Boys and led the team to a seventh-place finish and the semi-finals of the Europa League in his first season in charge. Last season was something of a disappointment, but Hutter has built an attractive team that’s fun to watch.
The club have moved to back the 50-year-old despite falling short of expectations last season by handing the coach a new three-year contract extension.
Head coach Adi #Hütter has extended his contract with Eintracht Frankfurt until 2023. 🦅✍️
Continuity and stability ▶️ t.co/os00FZjkJH
Hutter spoke to reporters about his happiness at extending his stay at the Waldstadion and his desire to get the team back into Europe.
“I’m very happy to be part of the Eintracht family. Today is also a very special day for me and my coaching team. We’ve had very positive talks recently – we trusted one another completely. I’m a big fan of traditional clubs like Eintracht Frankfurt who thrive on emotions. That suits me.
“We’ve seen in recent years what it means to play in Europe. It shows me that we want to get back there. Whether we can do so at the first time of asking remains to be seen. I was certain the decision to extend my contract was the right one. Everything’s just right here.”
Eintracht Frankfurt certainly have the potential to go on and enjoy an impressive campaign. Their 5-1 win over Bayern Munich last season showed Hutter’s men have the quality to beat any team when they are at their very best, but the coach needs to add consistency and solidity if they are to achieve their aims.