An Eintracht education
After Nicolai Adam, head of international sports cooperation, and brand ambassador Uwe Bein held a training session at the football academy of the latter’s former club Urawa Red Diamonds, the duo visited a German-speaking school in Yokohama three days later.
In Frankfurt’s twin city, they once again met inquisitive children and youngsters who were eager to learn. “For us it’s essentially about sharing the joy of doing sport and at the same time promoting a healthy lifestyle,” said Adam.
Eintracht in the embassy
Eintracht spent an afternoon in the ambassadorial district of Tokyo, with a club delegation arriving at the German Embassy in Japan at 15:00 on the dot. When the Frankfurt representatives, including board member for sport Markus Krösche, supervisory board member Sven Janssen, head of international relations and sports projects Samy Hamama, and first-team players Sebastian Rode and Christopher Lenz entered the building, they were met by thunderous applause from the staff, several of whom clearly have an affinity with Eintracht and Frankfurt.
The same goes for Sachio Howoldt. The embassy’s cultural officer was particularly pleased about the Eagles’ visit this week. Between 2006 and 2009, he himself reported for the Japanese sports press, including conducting an interview with Makoto Hasebe in Wolfsburg and watching Eintracht in the UEFA Cup in Istanbul.
Europa League trophy in Asia
That European silverware holds great appeal even in Asia was clear to see at the Fan Zone at the Saitama Stadium 2002, where fans queued for up to an hour to take a picture with the trophy – with unmistakeable Japanese discipline, of course. This time, too, the European trophy Eintracht took with them was a highly sought-after object for selfies.
But before then, embassy envoy Dr. Klaus Vietze offered the Hessians a warm welcome and underscored the importance of the Urawa partnership, among other things. After all, he said, the Reds are one of Tokyo’s most famous calling cards. “It’s a great honour for us to be here,” said Krösche in response to the gracious reception. “We have already enjoyed close cooperation with the German Embassy during the Japan Tour. It’s wonderful to get their insights and have contact with the staff. We'll be happy to come back again in the future.”
Approachability and open-mindedness
During their stay from Tuesday to Sunday, the Eagles clearly made an impression: the attendance for the friendlies in Saitama and Suita were both above the average for the clubs in the previous season, while no outing was complete without numerous requests for photos and autographs.
That did not go unnoticed by Krösche: “I take my hat off to the players for the way they approached the tour and represented Eintracht Frankfurt in a worthy manner, despite jet lag and the stress of travel. Not only were we welcomed with open arms everywhere, but we also showed what makes this club so special: approachability and open-mindedness.”
Twenty-four Eintracht fans experienced that up close when they were allowed to enter the pitch after the final whistle against Gamba Osaka on Saturday and have their picture taken with the team.
Last but by no means least, special praise goes to Makoto Hasebe, who, in addition to countless interviews, meetings, other events and his footballing commitments, still had enough time and energy to give his colleagues an understanding of his homeland. Just how happy Hasebe and the organising committee were at the end can be seen in one of the last photos taken on the Japan Tour.
Arigatō!
Thanks!
Until next time!
