After a week in the USA and a brief stop in Mexico, there’s a lot to reflect on – both on and off the pitch. On the latter front, it can certainly be said that the Eagles are a draw. Wherever they go, Eintracht is more than a household name to many Americans. Admiration alternates with gratitude, which is no less reciprocal.
A little anecdote: fan merchandise, goodies and souvenirs, which Eintracht also brought along for the friendly against Louisville City FC on Tuesday at 20:00 local time, are completely sold out after the men’s and women’s teams’ home matches at the Lynn Family Stadium on Friday and Saturday. But here, too, a solution will be found, just as head coach Dino Toppmöller and his staff have to work things out in footballing terms day in, day out.
On Thursday in Ciudad Juárez, for example, full-backs Rasmus Kristensen and Philipp Max helped out in the centre of defence in the second half. When asked about the Dane’s Eagles debut, Toppmöller praised: “He did well! Good punch, good power, tidy passing.”
Overall, the 43-year-old currently sees little reason for complaint in his second pre-season as a Bundesliga head coach. “The way the boys have pulled along so far is extremely good,” said Toppmöller. “That makes it really enjoyable. The conditions are first-class. It’s all going well so far.” With one caveat: “We need to improve our distances in defence a bit more, but I’m really pleased with our attacking play until we get into the final third. I’m looking forward to seeing the boys in a match again on Tuesday.”
The Eintracht boss almost has a full squad to pick from against LouCity. New signings Aurèle Amenda and Oscar Højlund were able to train fully at the weekend. Only Noah Fenyö has missed the last few days, with the young pro returning from El Paso with a knock and currently working more in the gym than on the grass.
Irrespective of the personnel situation, the Hessians are gearing up for another lively test. Sporting director Timmo Hardung describes the current leaders of the Eastern Conference of the USL Championship, America’s second tier, as “an ambitious team” and Louisville in general as “a very football-keen city”.
A city that the Bundesliga club will leave on Wednesday towards New York with fond memories. And preferably with another win.
