If you’d predicted a year ago that Eintracht would win their first European trophy in 42 years as well as ending the year in fourth place in the Bundesliga and still in both the UEFA Champions League and the DFB Cup, most people probably wouldn’t have given you more than a polite smile. Now, thanks to a lot of hard work, belief and togetherness, some dreams have certainly come true.
This was least to be expected in January, when all sporting activities were suspended with the exception of the Bundesliga. And the team didn’t get off to the best of starts, picking up just one point from three matches.
Face of the month: Ramaj’s hat-trick of debuts
With Germany goalkeeper Kevin Trapp missing the trip to Augsburg because of coronavirus, Diant Ramaj made his competitive debut for the Eagles between the sticks. Having joined the club from Heidenheim in 2021, it was the 20-year-old’s Bundesliga, professional and Eintracht debut all in one.
Game of the month: 1-1 at Augsburg
Afterwards, goalkeeper coach Jan Zimmermann was full of praise: “Diant was very brave, you could never tell it was his first Bundesliga game. He exuded security on the many crosses and was able to help the team with his save at the end.”
Story of the month: Successful trial run
One matchday later, the colleagues from EintrachtTV were more than satisfied when they broadcast the Matchday Show, which had previously been produced exclusively during European matches, during the Friday night fixture against Arminia Bielefeld. Since the beginning of the current season, this format has been broadcast live from Deutsche Bank Park before every home match.
Number of the month: 451(+10)
Going back to Ramaj, the Stuttgart native became the 451st different player to represent the Eagles in the Bundesliga. Ten more followed over the course of the year, taking that number to 461 – an all-time record in Germany’s top flight.
Goal of the month: Lara Prasnikar
Meanwhile, Eintracht Women were in the middle of their winter training. Their biggest test came at league top dogs Wolfsburg in mid-January, where Lara Prasnikar scored the winner shortly before half-time in a 2-1 victory for SGE.
Quote of the month
I like the style of play. I’m happy to be part of the whole.
January signing Ansgar Knauff
