Eintracht Frankfurt Eyes Albert Riera as New Head Coach

omidbasir- Sport Bild and Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany report that Eintracht Frankfurt is moving towards appointing Albert Riera as their new head coach. The former Spanish international is currently at the helm of Slovenian first division team NK Celje. Since retiring from professional football, Riera has primarily coached in Slovenia, with a notable stint at Girondins de Bordeaux during the 2023/24 Ligue 2 season.

Riera has demonstrated considerable success, winning over 60 percent of his matches during his first tenure at Celje and while managing Slovenia’s Olimpija Ljubljana. In addition, he guided Bordeaux to a respectable 12th place finish in the French second division, leaving the club only due to their administrative relegation to the fourth tier.

The decision to consider Riera is intriguing, especially as German clubs often prefer hiring coaches with German language proficiency. Riera, whose extensive playing career took him across various countries including Spain, Greece, Italy, Turkey, France, Slovenia, and England, has yet to play in Germany.

While other German football publications have not yet confirmed these rumors, it is noteworthy that Plettenberg refers to Riera as a “leading candidate.” His limited German language skills may not be a disqualifier, as a strong command of English—something Riera possesses—can be adequate for a position in the Bundesliga.

Eintracht Frankfurt has stated they are in the “home stretch” of appointing their new head coach. Plettenberg indicates that Copenhagen’s refusal to release Jacob Neestrup from his contract has made Riera the top choice. Kjetil Knutsen, another Scandinavian candidate, is also being considered as a potential alternative should Riera remain under contract at Celje.