By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 4 (silubaba) -- Victory in the 2023 German Cup semifinals came as a pleasant surprise for Eintracht Frankfurt and coach Oliver Glasner.
Ending a series of nine league games without a win, relief was palpable after taking a disputed 3-2 against Stuttgart and proceeding to the cup final against 2022 winners RB Leipzig on June 3.
The 2022 UEFA Europa League winners' recent disappointing performance seemed a thing of the past as the Austrian manager praised his side's ability to survive decisive games.
"We made it the second time into a final within two years; that proves the team's character and morals," the 48-year-old stated.
Things have been far from comfortable lately as several key figures such as Daichi Kamada, Randal Kolo Muani and Evan N'Dicka are expected to leave after the present season, not to speak of the rumors concerning the coach.
"I have read a lot about the attitude of the players that are supposedly leaving. Today they proved they are working for Eintracht with all their heart until the last day," Glasner said.
Keeping the pieces together seemed to have been a challenging issue for the former defender. The Frankfurt coach spoke about his deep trust in the faith of his players after being criticized.
Expectations have increased after the side's 2022 success, he stated, and spoke about the difficulties of meeting growing expectancies.
It seems that sporting director Markus Krosche will have to reconstruct the squad, aside from having to deal with significant departures.
Times haven't been easy for the team, Krosche stated, after the club achieved its fourth participation in a final within the last six years.
Having reached the German Cup final in 2017, 2018 and 2023, and the Europa League final last season, Frankfurt are turning into what Krosche called "a team entirely focused when in important games requiring a strong will."
As Krosche stated, the victory in Stuttgart might represent a turning point for the decaying squad when it comes to a conciliatory season finish.
Krosche called the upcoming encounter against Leipzig a "game on eye level as it is a final."
Repeating their 2018 success, when they beat Bayern Munich in the final, might take Eintracht back to calm waters after chairman Axel Hellmann announced plans to stay in office despite tempting offers from other clubs and associations.
Not to speak of a possible final victory affecting the decision of coach Glasner. It seems the Austrian manager is waiting for the club's actions as he is expecting a competitive squad for the 2023/24 season.
Therefore, he is avoiding mentioning his future. Glasner said things are not only about him, but the club.
"We all feel a great relief after darker times over the past weeks," Sebastian Rode said.
The midfielder demanded to stick together despite various rumors and "enjoy that we seem to reach our best when in finals." ■
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