Matthias Jaissle has emerged as the leading contender to replace Albert Riera at Eintracht Frankfurt, with the Austrian manager signalling his willingness to leave Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli. According to Sport1, Jaissle can "very well imagine" a return to Europe's top leagues and has been in regular contact with Frankfurt's sporting director Markus Krösche.
The 38-year-old currently earns a substantial salary of €15 million annually in the Middle East but is prepared to accept a significant pay cut to join an ambitious Bundesliga or Premier League outfit. Jaissle's credentials are strengthened by his recent achievement of winning the Asian Champions League for a second time with Al-Ahli, demonstrating his ability to deliver silverware at the highest level.
Krösche's History with Jaissle
Krösche has long admired the former RB Salzburg manager, having previously worked together within the Red Bull network during his time at RB Leipzig. The Frankfurt sporting director attempted to recruit Jaissle twice before—once in summer 2023 following Oliver Glasner's departure and again during the winter break—but both approaches ultimately failed. Those missed opportunities contrast sharply with his decision to hire Riera, whom he has now openly acknowledged was a mistake.
In a candid admission at the end-of-season press conference, Krösche stated: "My misjudgement" regarding Riera's appointment. The Spanish manager struggled to integrate with key players and the media, securing only four wins from 14 matches before his departure. Krösche had violated his own managerial philosophy by overlooking the principle that mid-season replacements should possess German knowledge and top-flight experience.
The Ideal Profile for Frankfurt's Next Manager
Frankfurt's search criteria now centre on finding a German-speaking coach capable of restoring high-intensity football and reigniting supporter engagement. Jaissle fits this blueprint perfectly, having previously played in the Bundesliga for Hoffenheim. Beyond Jaissle, Adi Hütter—the Austrian's former colleague—remains a serious candidate and would require no compensation fee, having been without a club since leaving AS Monaco in October 2024.
Krösche has emphasised that the new manager must possess a "clear vision" of tactical approach and demonstrate mastery of both counter-attacking and possession-based football. Frankfurt's failure to qualify for European competition this season has sharpened focus on appointing a figure capable of consistently competing for continental places. The club aims to finalise its managerial decision within the coming week, according to Bild, as the Bundesliga season approaches its conclusion.
