Eintracht Frankfurt’s Goalkeeping Decisions Amid Defensive Challenges

Eintracht Frankfurt’s ongoing defensive struggles were once again evident during the Bundesliga match against Köln on Saturday night. The team’s issues with conceding goals extend beyond the back line, as goalkeeper Michael Zetterer displayed vulnerabilities, particularly on Köln’s opening goal. Nevertheless, head coach Dino Toppmöller remains resolute in his decision to keep the 30-year-old keeper in his starting position.

This summer, Frankfurt acquired Zetterer from Werder Bremen following the unexpected departure of squad captain Kevin Trapp, who transferred to Paris FC. The club’s intention was to nurture young Brazilian goalkeeper Kaua Santos as their new number one. Trapp, sensing the shift in dynamics, opted to seek a transfer.

In Zetterer, Eintracht secured an experienced goalkeeper who felt sidelined at Bremen due to the rise of a promising talent. Zetterer has consistently emphasized that he did not leave Werder Bremen to assume a backup role to Kaua Santos. Following Santos’s return from injury, Zetterer was given a chance to prove himself.

Santos resumed play on matchday four, starting in four league matches and one Champions League fixture, but struggled significantly, conceding 18 goals across those five games. Consequently, Toppmöller reinstated Zetterer as the starting goalkeeper.

Despite conceding five goals in a Champions League match against Liverpool, Zetterer has managed to secure three clean sheets in seven appearances across all competitions, marking an improvement in the team’s defensive performance.

In a recent interview with Kicker, Toppmöller reaffirmed his support for Zetterer, announcing that the veteran keeper would retain his position through the winter break, regardless of future developments. Kaua Santos is unlikely to reclaim the starting role before 2026.

Toppmöller stated, “The plan remains that he [Zetterer] will guard the goal until the winter break. 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, which is exactly what we need.”