Albert Riera Introduced as Head Coach of Eintracht Frankfurt

Albert Riera was introduced as the new head coach of Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday, addressing a gathering of press members regarding his appointment and initial impressions of the club.

In his remarks, Riera reflected on a prior conversation with sports director Markus Krösche from two and a half years ago, stating, “I’ve been following Eintracht and the Bundesliga even more intently since then. I’m fully motivated to be here.”

He emphasized his forward-looking approach, noting, “I’m not here to dwell on the past. I believe that my ideas can make a positive impact, and I am confident my players will rally behind me because I provide them with solutions.”

Riera, 43, shared his initial thoughts on the club’s facilities: “We have everything we need here, and there are no excuses. The ProfiCamp and the resources available are remarkable. The motivation among everyone here is palpable.”

He likened his excitement to the feeling of a new romance, stating, “It’s like having butterflies in your stomach; that’s a sensation we must maintain. Everyone at the club should feel this enthusiasm every day as we strive to make progress together. Now is the time to initiate something truly special.”

With an impressive track record of averaging 1.83 points per match at NK Celje, Riera has been recognized for his team’s quick attacking transitions. He elaborated on his coaching philosophy, saying, “We need to instill a sense of belief in the players—that they are good, strong, and fast, as that is how they should feel.”

“In football, clarity in roles—defensively and offensively—is crucial. If players understand their responsibilities, they will find success. Every situation requires a solution, and we have exceptional talents at our disposal.”

Riera underscored the importance of fostering self-belief amongst players, asserting, “With confidence, you can achieve great things; with uncertainty, you cannot. Players shouldn’t fear making mistakes, but it’s essential to minimize errors compared to the opposition. Our success depends on seamless collaboration, and while we will take risks, it will be primarily in the final third. Defensively, we will not be passive; we will apply pressure and force our opponents into mistakes.”