Frankfurt and Bremen restart with new coaches, while Bayern faces challenger Hoffenheim

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Fans' attention shifts to the German national league's 21st matchday as two coaches make their debuts, and table leader Bayern Munich faces the team of the moment, Hoffenheim, amid contract struggles with key players.

Expectations couldn't be greater for struggling 2022 UEFA Euro League winner Eintracht Frankfurt after setting sail with Spaniard Albert Riera as successor of sacked Dino Toppmoller, following a series of setbacks.

No less high hopes seem in Bremen after the departure of coach Horst Steffen, and Daniel Thioune taking over. While Frankfurt is crossing swords with Union Berlin, Werder is facing a crucial away game in Freiburg.

BAYERN SETTLES CONTRACT ISSUES

Happy end or accepting overdriven demands? The contract extension of the French international Dayot Upamecano has sparked a debate about the Bavarians sovereignty.

Media reports say that after the 27-year-old defender missed a deadline on February 2, Bayern officially withdrew its offer, but the sporting director, Christoph Freund, received a late phone call from Upamecano.

Kicker, Bild, and the Sueddeutsche reported that after 12 months of negotiations, the player has approved a new contract through 2030 with a salary increase of up to 20 million euros per season. Disputed topics, such as an exit clause and the payout procedures for a signing fee, have been resolved, according to the media.

This Thursday, the Bavarians announced a new contract for winger Serge Gnabry until 2028.

Before meeting with Dortmund at the end of February, Bayern finds itself ahead of a crucial duel against Hoffenheim. Both sides are said to have the quality to break Bayern's dominance this season. Closing the gap down to only three or six points and reopening the 2026 title race seems within reach.

SURPRISING CHOICE

Choosing an entirely unfamiliar coach, like Riera, surprised Eintracht supporters.

The 43-year-old Spaniard, who is leaving the Slovenian club NK Celje, announced plans to enforce strict discipline and impose several fines, including a workday for players alongside the greenkeeper.

While sporting director Markus Krosche spoke about a lack of discipline and structure, the new coach announced that they would work on the team's mindset. "No back passing, guys," the former LFC and Galatasaray midfielder shouted on the training pitch.

WERDER'S NEWCOMER

Despite not having top-tier experience, 51-year-old Thioune has built a reputation coaching second-division teams like Hamburger SV and Fortuna Dusseldorf.

A new tactical approach, with a solid back row of four, is said to help restore stability after the club dropped into the relegation zone.

The new arrival said to count on energy and an improved body language. ■