“Eintracht have improved enormously” - Bruno Hübner interview

The Eagles’ training camp in Gais comes to an end today. Looking back, what do you make of the two camps in South Tyrol and the USA?
“Both were absolutely brilliant. Our trip to the USA was a bit exhausting, but the facilities there were ideal. We’ve had no issues in Gais either - the temperature was actually more pleasant than in Germany. We’re as well prepared as we can be for the coming season.”

What are your impressions of Adi Hütter so far?
“He’s doing a superb job so far under tricky circumstances. We’re going through a small rebuilding process at Eintracht, and then you’ve got our World Cup players who started pre-season training later than the rest. What really impresses me is how he connects with his players. He does everything with so much enthusiasm, and it’s fun to watch. The players are also willing to adapt to his new philosophy.”

There have been a lot of departures, but also plenty of new arrivals at Eintracht this summer. How big a challenge do you face as sporting director?
“It’s a huge challenge for everyone involved. It’s obviously disappointing when players leave, but when you look at the clubs they’ve signed for, we’ve done very well. Niko Kovac has gone to Bayern Munich, Marius Wolf has joined Borussia Dortmund and Omar Mascarell has gone to Schalke 04.”

You and Fredi Bobic often tell the media that Eintracht aren’t quite ready to challenge the big boys. What needs to happen for you to be able to close that gap?
“Eintracht Frankfurt are only just emerging from a difficult financial period. Making up for those lost years isn’t easy. It’s only possible through hard work and by generating transfer revenue. We’re still lagging behind a bit, but the gap is getting smaller. We’re doing a good job.”

You’ve been at Eintracht since 2011. How far has the club progressed in that time?
“The club has improved enormously in my opinion. The number of projects we’ve been involved with in that time is very impressive. We’re now in the process of building brand new club offices. I get the sense that things are happening at all levels of the club, and the players do too."