Image Credits: Imago Images
Eintracht Frankfurt lost 2-1 to Hamburg after the visitors came from behind to claim victory at Deutsche Bank Park on matchday 32 of the Bundesliga season.
With Frankfurt chasing a European place and Hamburg fighting for survival, the hosts took the lead early in the second half when Can Uzun finished off a move involving Jonathan Burkardt.
Hamburg responded almost immediately, with Albert Grønbæk levelling the score before Fábio Vieira produced a composed finish to complete the comeback and put the visitors on the brink of securing their Bundesliga status.
Despite late pressure, Frankfurt could not find an equaliser against a resolute defence. Former Liverpool midfielder Albert Riera, who replaced Dino Toppmöller in January, has managed just one win in six league games and is under increasing pressure.
However, Sky Germany reports that he will remain in charge for now and will be on the bench for the away match against Borussia Dortmund on Friday. Neither Riera nor his agent have received any indication that Frankfurt plan to part ways with him this summer.
The immediate target for the coaching staff and squad is to secure seventh place in the Bundesliga, which would guarantee European qualification.
Last week, the coach again made headlines after sharply criticising sections of the media. Riera joined Frankfurt from Celje in February but has so far struggled to meet expectations, averaging 1.33 points from his 12 matches in charge.
Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche remained coy on the future of Albert Riera after Saturday’s Bundesliga defeat. Krösche said in the mixed zone: “I am, of course, extremely annoyed by the way we played football [today], especially our lack of aggression.
“Honestly put, if we make mistakes like that, if we put in performances like that, then we have no business competing for a European spot. The coach isn’t an issue today.
“In the end, it’s about the team’s performance. And this season, especially in such important games, it’s been insufficient. Let’s just talk about the performance today. It just wasn’t good enough.”
Albert Riera spent two years at Liverpool after being signed by Rafael Benítez from Espanyol in September 2008. He arrived in English football looking to prove a point after an underwhelming loan spell at Manchester City in 2005-06, and made an immediate impact.
His debut came in a 2-1 win over Manchester United on 13 September 2008, followed weeks later by his first goal against Wigan Athletic.
Riera went on to make 28 league appearances and scored three goals as Liverpool narrowly missed out on the title, finishing second to Manchester United.
However, a lack of opportunities in 2009-10 led to a breakdown in his relationship with Benítez, and a departure became inevitable. His move to Olympiacos was later sanctioned by new manager Roy Hodgson in July 2010.