Eintracht Frankfurt’s Goalkeeping Dilemma: Zetterer’s Position Solidified

Eintracht Frankfurt’s ongoing defensive challenges were once again highlighted during the Saturday night Bundesliga matchup against Köln. The issues with conceding goals extend beyond the defensive line, as goalkeeper Michael Zetterer displayed vulnerabilities on Köln’s opening goal. Nevertheless, head coach Dino Toppmöller has pledged to retain the 30-year-old Zetterer as the team’s starting goalkeeper.

This summer, Eintracht secured Zetterer’s transfer from Bremen following the unexpected departure of squad captain Kevin Trapp to Paris FC. The club aims to nurture young Brazilian keeper Kaua Santos as their future No. 1. Anticipating this shift, Trapp proactively requested a transfer.

In Zetterer, the RheinMainAdler acquired an experienced goalkeeper who felt sidelined by the emergence of a younger talent. Zetterer has consistently expressed that he did not leave Werder Bremen to serve merely as Santos’ backup. Following Santos’ return from injury, Zetterer’s expectations were met when he was installed as the starter.

Santos resumed play on matchday four, participating in four league matches and one Champions League game. However, after conceding 18 goals across these five outings, Toppmöller declared that Zetterer would retake the No. 1 position.

Although Zetterer conceded five goals in a Champions League match against Liverpool, he has managed to secure three clean sheets in seven games across all competitions, indicating some improvement in the team’s defensive record.

In a recent interview with Kicker, Toppmöller reiterated his commitment to Zetterer, confirming that he will remain the starting goalkeeper through the winter break, regardless of future outcomes. Kaua Santos is unlikely to reclaim his starting role 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.”