Since his arrival in 2023, Hugo Larsson has been one of the youngest yet most used players at Eintracht. His rapid rise from prospect to key player was recognised by Eintracht at the start of October with an early one-year extension to his contract, originally due to run until 2028. Just how serious the midfield machine is about his prospects on the Main is illustrated by how hard he has been studying German ever since. The results are impressive.
Hugo, how often have you been having German lessons since you came to Eintracht?
“Usually once a week. Obviously, it’s hard when we have more matches but that’s been the regular pattern.”
Is the emphasis more on everyday or football terms?
“Kind of both. At the start, the football language certainly came more easily to me but the rest is getting better and better now.”
In a multicultural city like Frankfurt, are there people with whom you speak more German than others?
“We also talk a lot in English but, for example, in meetings with the coach or during analysis sessions, we only speak German. That’s part of the learning process. A translator still helps me sometimes but in situations like this interview, I understand everything.”
How do you like Frankfurt in general?
“Very much! Frankfurt is a great city to live in. I like the social interaction with the people, both in the club and in my private life. There’s a wide range of possibilities for going out, in terms of restaurants and cafés. I live in Sachsenhausen, which is a great area to live. It’s not far to the Main and is ideal for walking.”
The club, the team and the city together form a strong overall package. I love Frankfurt and Germany – not to mention our stadium.
Hugo Larsson
Where do you see the differences to your home city of Malmö?
“I don’t see that many. That was also an argument for saying last year that I want to move to Frankfurt. The club, the team and the city together form a strong overall package. I love Frankfurt and Germany – not to mention our stadium.”
At Deutsche Bank Park, you won 1-0 against RFS on Thursday, with the winning goal coming from you. Your thoughts on the match?
“The first half wasn’t very good, we played too slowly. In the second half we generated greater energy, with the help of the fans. The goal was a special moment for me because it was my first in Europe, but getting the three points in the end was the most important thing.”
Why does scoring goals seem to come so easily to you this season?
“I think a lot of things are generally easier in the second year. My team-mates have become friends, which is being reflected on the pitch. Obviously I work a lot, maybe I also just have luck at the moment, who knows (laughs).”
What kind of match are you expecting at Union Berlin on Sunday?
“It’s always tough in Berlin. I experienced that with Malmö in the Europa League. It’s always a tough, intense battle at the Alte Försterei but the same goes for our team. Therefore, I’m expecting a good game. We’re going for the three points.”
