Eintracht Frankfurt’s Goalkeeping Challenges: A Commitment to Michael Zetterer

omidbasir- Eintracht Frankfurt’s ongoing defensive challenges were once again evident during the Bundesliga match against Köln on Saturday night. The issues surrounding goal concessions are not limited to the defensive line, as goalkeeper Michael Zetterer exhibited vulnerability on Köln’s first goal. Nevertheless, head coach Dino Toppmöller has reaffirmed his commitment to keeping the 30-year-old Zetterer as the starting goalkeeper.

Frankfurt acquired Zetterer from Bremen this summer in the wake of squad captain Kevin Trapp’s unexpected decision to leave the club for Paris FC. The club’s strategy included the development of young Brazilian keeper Kaua Santos to step into the role of No. 1. Recognizing the impending changes, Trapp opted to submit a transfer request.

In Zetterer, the RheinMainAdler secured a seasoned goalkeeper who felt marginalized by the emergence of a younger talent. Zetterer has consistently stated that he did not join Werder Bremen to serve as a backup to Kaua Santos. However, following Santos’s struggle after returning from injury, Zetterer’s aspirations to start were ultimately fulfilled.

Kaua Santos made his return on matchday four, starting in four league matches and one Champions League fixture. Unfortunately, the 22-year-old conceded an alarming total of 18 goals in those five games, prompting Toppmöller to reinstate Zetterer as the primary goalkeeper.

Although Zetterer himself conceded five goals against Liverpool in the Champions League, he has managed to secure three clean sheets across seven fixtures in all competitions, indicating a slight improvement.

In a recent interview with Kicker, Toppmöller expressed his dedication to Zetterer, confirming that he will remain in the starting role through the winter break, regardless of future outcomes. Kaua Santos will not have an opportunity to reclaim the position until at least 2026.

“The plan remains that he [Zetterer] will guard the goal until the winter break,” Toppmöller stated. “We still believe that Kauã can become a top goalkeeper. The idea was always that he would be our number one. Zetti knew that when he joined us. Zetti radiates calm and confidence. That’s what we need.”