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The mood at Eintracht Frankfurt is gloomy despite the club still being in contention for European qualification, with pressure mounting on manager Albert Riera.
Riera was appointed in February, but results have fallen short of expectations, with just one win in the last six matches increasing scrutiny on his position.
He is expected to remain in charge for the upcoming match against Borussia Dortmund on Friday, despite speculation over his future.
Internal discussions have taken place, but the club hierarchy has opted for continuity for now due to a lack of immediate alternatives.
A 2-1 defeat to Hamburg further intensified doubts, and while an immediate dismissal was considered, it was ultimately put on hold. Reports have also pointed to growing tension between Riera and sections of the squad.
Despite the uncertainty, sporting director Markus Krösche is expected to continue in his role as the club navigates a difficult period.
“We have worked together successfully over the past few years. Now we have a situation where we have to get through a difficult phase together. But even here, I feel full support, and that’s how it is,” Krosche said on stage at the OMR digital trade fair in Hamburg, speaking to Bild as quoted by Sky Sports in Germany.
Just over three months into his tenure in Frankfurt, Spaniard Albert Riera is already facing the threat of dismissal amid a difficult run of form.
It would mark sporting director Markus Krosche’s second coaching change within a single season, following Dino Toppmöller’s departure in January.
He added: “We’ve achieved extraordinary things in recent years. Now we’re facing a more difficult year. That’s not satisfactory. Especially because we’re not happy with the way we’re playing football.
“After several successful years, Frankfurt is in danger of missing out on European competition. Eintracht might finish seventh or eighth this season. But that’s not what we want.”
Riera made the move to Germany on a contract running until 30 June 2028, less than 12 months after winning the Slovenian Cup in his second spell with Celje.
Before his success at Celje, Riera guided Slovenia’s Olimpija Ljubljana to a domestic double in the 2022/23 season. The former Liverpool winger also led Bordeaux to a 12th-place finish in Ligue 2 in 2023/24 and previously worked as an assistant at Galatasaray under Fatih Terim (2020/21) and Domènec Torrent (2021/22).
As a player, Riera earned 16 senior caps for Spain. He represented clubs including Espanyol, Liverpool, Manchester City and Galatasaray before retiring in 2016, with the Frankfurt role marking his first managerial stint in Germany.