Holiday and Training Camp
After the cup game just before Christmas team and management enjoyed a well deserved holiday before joining an indoor cup in Frankfurt at the start of January. Thereafter they travelled to Turkey for a week long training camp, they returned two days ago. Manager Skibbe focussed on the team's fitness with daily long distance runs - hopefully the foundation for a successful second half of the season.
Antalya Cup 2011
The new year started with a title for Eintracht: In Turkey the inofficial 'Antalya Cup' was won after two test games v Persepolis Teheran and 1. FC Cologne. The matches were won after penalty shoot outs with boath goalies Nikolov and Faehrmann playing a game each, and being the respective matchwinners in the end with crucial saves.
'Say I'm Your Number One'
Talking about goalkeepers - it looks like Oka Nikolov will return to Eintracht's starting 11 after coming back from his injury. 22 year old talent Ralph Faehrmann showed decent performances when he substituted Nikolov in goal during recent league games and in the cup. Still - manager Skibbe argues that Nikolov had consistent and convincing performances throughout the first half of the season, seeing Faehrmann as the long term number one.
Comebacks - Injuries - Debuts?
Next to Nikolov also youngster Sebastian Rode has recovered from a long term injury and might get some Bundesliga action soon. Eintracht's defense is still weakened by a margin with key players Russ and Franz not returning to the team until at least end of January. Tzavellas and Vasoski - both also defenders - are the most recent blows, both being out for around four weeks. And the return of defensive midfielders Chris and Bajramovic (who both could have helped in defense) is uncertain as the medics' prognosis remains vague. It is possible that youngster Kevin Kraus will enjoy his debut in the back four soon, also Ricardo Clark might move back again from midfield as he had good performances in both games against Dortmund and Aachen.
Contract for Benny Koehler
But there are great news also, one of the key players so far this season will stay with Eintracht for another three years: Benny Koehler. The allrounder extended his contract until 2014 after which he will be with the Eagles for 10 years! The fans can look forward to his good attitude on and off the pitch. Benny showed convincing performances in midfield and also as a left defender throughout the years, working hard for the team and hardly giving away the ball.
