Eintracht Frankfurt’s Goalkeeping Strategy Amid Defensive Struggles

omidbasir- Eintracht Frankfurt’s ongoing defensive struggles were evident once again in the Saturday night Bundesliga clash against Köln. The team’s issues with conceding goals extend beyond the defense, as goalkeeper Michael Zetterer displayed vulnerabilities, particularly on Köln’s first goal. Nevertheless, head coach Dino Toppmöller has opted to keep the 30-year-old as the starting goalkeeper.

Zetterer joined Frankfurt from Werder Bremen this summer, following the unexpected departure of squad captain Kevin Trapp to Paris FC. The club aimed to develop young Brazilian keeper Kaua Santos as their new No. 1. However, Trapp’s foresight regarding his position led him to request a transfer.

In Zetterer, Eintracht secured a seasoned goalkeeper who felt sidelined at Bremen by a rising star. Despite this, Zetterer has consistently expressed that he did not join Frankfurt to serve as a backup for Santos. After Santos struggled upon returning from injury, Zetterer’s opportunity to fulfill his role became a reality.

Santos returned to the pitch on matchday four, starting in four league matches and one Champions League game. However, after conceding an alarming 18 goals across these five matches, Toppmöller announced Zetterer would reassume the starting position.

Although Zetterer allowed five goals against Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League, he has managed to record three clean sheets in seven matches across all competitions, indicating a slight improvement in performance.

In a recent interview with Kicker, Toppmöller reaffirmed his commitment to Zetterer as the starting goalkeeper through the winter break, regardless of future developments. Santos is not expected to get his chance 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.”