Matthias Jaissle is emerging as the leading candidate to become Eintracht Frankfurt's next manager following Albert Riera's departure. The 38-year-old Austrian, currently at Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, has indicated he is willing to consider a return to one of Europe's top five leagues, with Frankfurt high on his list of potential destinations.
Markus Krösche, Eintracht's sporting director, has maintained regular contact with Jaissle and views him as an ideal fit for the role. The two have a shared history through the Red Bull network—Krösche spent years at RB Leipzig while Jaissle managed RB Salzburg. Krösche attempted to bring Jaissle to Frankfurt twice before: first in summer 2023 after Oliver Glasner's departure, and again during the winter transfer window. Those moves fell through, leading Frankfurt to appoint Riera instead.
Riera's Disappointing Tenure and Krösche's Lesson
Riera's spell at Frankfurt proved disastrous. The Spanish manager clashed with players and media alike, winning just four matches in 14 appearances before being dismissed. Krösche publicly acknowledged the error at the end-of-season press conference, stating: "It was my mistake. My misjudgement." The sporting director admitted he broke his cardinal rule by hiring someone unfamiliar with the Bundesliga mid-season, prioritising conviction over caution.
Jaissle presents a starkly different proposition. As a former TSG Hoffenheim player, he has knowledge of German football, and his recent success—winning the Asian Champions League for a second time with Al-Ahli—demonstrates his coaching credentials. Krösche explicitly seeks a German-speaking coach capable of implementing high-intensity football and energising the crowd. Remarkably, Jaissle is prepared to accept a significant pay reduction from his current €15 million annual salary to secure an ambitious role in the Bundesliga or Premier League.
Competition and Timeline
Jaissle is not the only candidate under consideration. Adi Hütter, Eintracht's former manager, remains a leading contender and matches the club's desired profile. Unlike Jaissle, recruiting Hütter would avoid compensation complications since the Austrian has been without a club since departing AS Monaco in October. Krösche emphasised the need for a manager with a "clear vision" of attacking football—a balance between counter-attacking and possession play essential for competing in European competitions.
Frankfurt aims to conclude the managerial search within the coming week, with Krösche keen to implement swift change. The club's failure to secure European qualification this season has made finding the right successor a pressing priority as they prepare for another campaign focused on climbing back to continental competition levels.
