Eintracht Frankfurt vs Hoffenheim preview - Frankfurt dismiss rift reports

Posted Friday, May 08, 2015 by PA

Eintracht Frankfurt's preparations for Saturday's visit of Hoffenheim have been overshadowed by rumours that the players no longer get on with coach Thomas Schaaf.

The Bild newspaper claimed on Thursday that some of Frankfurt's first team had escalated their concern that there was a breakdown in communication with the former Werder Bremen boss which could undermine their season.

Eintracht's director of sport Bruno Hubner issued a statement on Friday insisting there was no truth behind the speculation.

"Any sort of discussion about the coach is leading nowhere," Hubner said in a statement published by the Frankfurter Allgemeine newspaper.

"The relationship between Thomas Schaaf and the club is absolutely exemplary.

"We are all looking forward to these final three games of the season and we've got to put everything else to one side.

"I am totally convinced that the players will give it their utmost to obtain the best possible results."

Hoffenheim coach Markus Gisdol certainly does not expect Frankfurt to be any weaker than usual, especially not in front of their own fans.

"Frankfurt have scored the fourth highest number of goals in the league, even if they've conceded the most," Gisdol said.

"They are a dangerous team to play against. They are particularly strong in their own stadium, where they have not lost in their last nine.

"I am pretty sure that they will deliver a good performance for their fans and will be keen to turn things around after some disappointing recent results.

"We know Frankfurt as a side who never give up and are always fully engaged. It's going to be a tough match."

In addition to losing Alexander Meier and Sonny Kittel to injuries in recent weeks, Frankfurt this week also lost Bamba Anderson for the remainder of the campaign, although Stefan Aigner is set to return.