Frankfurt succeed in the next Coup in the Europa League? The Concord is convinced that the English giants Chelsea FC in the semi-finals to face up to – even if there are problems.
When it comes to Eintracht Frankfurt, the Bundesliga club wants to play its now almost perfected the role of “favorites” in the semi-finals of the Europa League. While opponents Chelsea FC on Thursday evening (kick-off 21:00, from 20:45 clock in the DW live Ticker for this), Eintracht coach Adi Hütter is not itchy, but: “We want to against the enemy but our quality will show and courageous play,” announced the Austrian in front of the greatest European Cup-challenge for the Concord for 39 years. “When you are standing in the semi-finals, wants to use his Chance. I am convinced that we can get a good starting position for the return match.”
Even more confident is Eintracht sporting Director Bruno Hübner, who even expects that the final on the 29. May in Baku can succeed. “We are outsiders,” he said, but added: “We are working on a Sensation and will do everything to retrieve.” A desired result Hübner has not. “It’s always hard to tell. Against Milan at home 0:0 played and at the end it was a really good result.” Because the return match of the DFB-Pokal winner with 1:0 won. In the quarter-finals, they lost in the first leg at Benfica, with 2:4 and was eliminated with a leg already. But then a 2-0 home success in the semi-finals and a further proof that the frankfurters.
The almost limitless optimism of the Concord, before the Meeting with the English giants out of a strong season, at the end even the Champions League feeder is possible. “We have played a super season. We are the most unexpected team in the semifinals of the Europa League and are in fourth place in the Bundesliga with 54 points,” was the Hütter. “Quite honestly, we can only win. Pressure we certainly have.”
No pressure – but not force?
Although Frankfurt does not need to win in the Europa League, but should not try in the Bundesliga, despite the Multiple stresses on the final straight to lose ground. The Concord professionals had to play a total of 45 obligation in the past three winless League games apparently tired legs and barely playful Inspiration. The big question is whether Frankfurt can set the strength with Chelsea once again the necessary energy.
“We have survived three rounds against the Champions League clubs,” said midfielder Sebastian Rode. “Chelsea is now in a larger size, but we don’t have to hide.” Finally, the harmony in the K. o.-had Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter Milan and Benfica Play off. “We have to believe that everything is possible,” said national goalkeeper Kevin Trapp and called after the disappointing Bundesliga-zero number against Hertha BSC with a gasp: “Everyone must fight for the other race, to defend, like against Benfica. We have the mentality in the team, that’s why I’m here.”
Without Haller and Rebic
The one negative is the staff is only in the attack: The storm Duo of Sebastien Haller (injured) and Ante Rebic (locked) is not available. “We will have to find another solution,” said Hütter. A candidate for the storm series, the Portuguese Gonçalo. Back in the starting lineup the last troubled midfielder Mijat Gacinovic, has also proved that he can shoot important goals. He also is eagerly anticipating the kick-off: “of course It is better to play against a worse team, but we can beat Chelsea.”
asz/tk (sid, dpa)