Hide the first leg win, go full throttle: Eintracht Frankfurt wants to use this recipe for success to reach the final of the Europa League against West Ham. Jesper Lindström is questionable, Sebastian Rode still has a score to settle.
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04:24 mins
You want to make history! | Hessenschau Sport from 04.05.2022
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It has been 1,091 days since Eintracht Frankfurt last played a semi-final second leg in the Europa League. Back then, in May 2019, the Hessians failed at Stamford Bridge, very unfortunate due to their own nerves and Chelsea FC. Almost three years later everything should be better in the home stadium against West Ham United and the dream of the final in Seville should come true.
“For everyone who was there against Chelsea, this game is still very present”, Sebastian Rode summarized the emotional situation on Wednesday. “We were eliminated then. But now we’re in a better position and we want to do everything we can to reach the final.” Eintracht still has a score to settle with the Europa League, which will be settled on Thursday (9 p.m. in the audio stream on hr-iNFO).
Glasner calls for a bold appearance
“We’re really looking forward to this game. It’s a highlight for the club, the city and the fans,” emphasized coach Oliver Glasner, who would like to erase the good starting position completely from the minds of his players. After winning the first leg in London, a draw is already enough for Eintracht to win the big coup, but Glasner wants to do without arithmetic games. “We’re leading 2-1, but we’re not resting on our laurels. We won’t manage.”
Means: Eintracht will take the initiative themselves as they did against FC Barcelona and in the first meeting with West Ham in London and keep the guests from England busy. Go up front, attack early, create chances for yourself. With this plan, which has worked so well in the Europa League so far, Hessen want to eliminate West Ham and then fight RB Leipzig or Glasgow Rangers for the title. “We’re going for a win from the first second,” Glasner made unmistakably clear. With an open visor to the final.
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Eintracht vs West Ham: tension ahead of Europa League semi-final game
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Lindstrom will probably be out
However, it is currently extremely questionable whether Jesper Lindström, one of the key offensive players, can play a part in this project. The Dane, who sustained a thigh muscle injury in the first leg, was only able to train individually on Wednesday and is in danger of being out. On Thursday morning there should be another stress test, as Glasner explained. “But it will be a photo finish for him. There is a relatively big question mark.” Tendency: Lindstrom has to pass.
As a possible replacement, Glasner brought several names into play at the press conference and even considered a system change. However, it is rather unlikely that Sam Lammers or Ragnar Ache would suddenly drop out on offense in one of the biggest games in the club’s history. Should Lindström fail, Jens Petter Hauge should therefore move into the starting XI. Nothing will change in the usual 3-4-3 system, the back three are formed by Tuta, the recovered Martin Hinteregger and Evan N’Dicka, who was suspended in the first leg. Three bouncers against the English powerhouses.
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Fans can make the difference
Because, that’s also clear: Despite all the offensive orientation, Eintracht will also have to fight back on the defensive. West Ham is weaker in terms of play compared to quarter-final opponents Betis Sevilla or Barca. Physically, the Premier League seventh is a challenge. “They were physically superior to us when it came to standards,” Rode warned. “We have to be robust against it.” The motto: cause as few free kicks as possible, be present in the penalty area.
And if all that is not enough, Eintracht relies on the symbiosis between team and fans that has been seen so often in the Europa League. With 48,000 spectators, the stadium will of course be completely sold out, and you can already feel the tingling. “I’m sure it will be a great evening in Europe. I’m really looking forward to it,” said Glasner. “The fans will give us extra energy.” Eintracht actually has a great chance of a European final. Dinner is served.
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