Before Leipzig trip: Autumn blues at Eintracht

The mood at Eintracht Frankfurt matches the dreary November weather. The Hessians are well on target in the Bundesliga ahead of their visit to RB Leipzig on Saturday (18:30/Sky). However, recent performances have left deep scars on the team and its surroundings.

"You already have the feeling that you've lost the last three games. We have to see for ourselves in the team that we're not doing too badly in the league," said captain Robin Koch on "Hit-Radio FFH" and added: "It's not as bad as it sometimes feels for us players!"

The autumn blues have not escaped coach Dino Toppmöller either. The 45-year-old has therefore had many conversations this week and never tires of emphasizing the positive things. "We've been unbeaten in the Bundesliga for six games and are on the right track. It's important that we stick to our guns and try to show a different face than in the last two home games," said Toppmöller.

Larsson and Uzun back in training

With 21 points, his team are currently in seventh place. The gap to second-placed Leipzig is five points. However, the recent performances in the 3-0 defeat to Atalanta Bergamo in the Champions League and 1-1 draw against VfL Wolfsburg in the league have disgusted even the most loyal fans. "That's how you feel and that's also the mood around us at the moment," admitted Toppmöller and demanded: "For us, it's about improving the mood."

The coach is not the only one who knows that a win in Leipzig would instantly improve the mood of everyone involved and allow Eintracht to travel to the Champions League clash at FC Barcelona with renewed confidence. "We have enough quality to shake Leipzig away from home," announced Koch.

And the personnel situation has improved. Both Hugo Larsson and Can Uzun have returned to training after muscle injuries. "Both could be an option for Saturday. We will make the final decision after the final training session," said Toppmöller.

Who will come in for Burkardt?

The only player the Hessians will definitely have to do without is their injured goalscorer Jonathan Burkardt. Toppmöller left it open as to who will replace the international. One candidate is Michy Batshuayi, who scored the late equalizer as a wild card against Wolfsburg. "You could see that he had a good presence and did a good job of latching onto balls. But, of course, we don't want to look at our cards yet," said the Eintracht coach.

It is also uncertain whether Elye Wahi, who was recently withdrawn, will return to the squad. In any case, the door is not finally closed for the 22-year-old Frenchman. "Every player has the chance to show himself in training and find his way back. He has to seize the opportunity," said Toppmöller.