Former Premier League Star Albert Riera Takes Helm at Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt have confirmed the appointment of former Liverpool and Manchester City winger Albert Riera as their new permanent manager, just days after the Bundesliga side concluded their Champions League campaign with a defeat to Tottenham. The 43-year-old Spaniard joins from Slovenian PrvaLiga leaders Celje, with the German club set to pay a compensation fee of £1.12 million to secure his services.
Frankfurt's Managerial Search Concludes After Challenging Season
The announcement follows a difficult period for Eintracht Frankfurt, who made the decision to sack previous head coach Dino Toppmoller on January 18th. Under-21s boss Dennis Schmitt had been placed in temporary charge of the dugout during the intervening period. Sporting director Markus Krosche expressed clear enthusiasm for the new appointment, highlighting Riera's modern football philosophy and international experience as key factors in the decision.
"With Albert Riera, we deliberately chose a coach who stands for modern, intense, and attacking football," Krosche stated. "He has international experience, a clear playing philosophy, and an equally clear approach to his daily work with the team."
Riera's Impressive Credentials and Managerial Approach
The sporting director further elaborated on the appointment process, noting that Riera had impressed club officials during discussions with his depth of expertise and excellent communication skills. "Albert impressed us in our discussions with his depth of expertise and his excellent communication skills," Krosche continued. "We have been following his development for a long time and are therefore convinced that his abilities, both in the current situation and in the future, harmonise well with the requirements of Eintracht Frankfurt."
Riera brings a reputation for an uncompromising managerial style to the Bundesliga club, having demonstrated tactical flexibility during his tenure at Celje where he comfortably rotated through four different goalkeepers across his last 62 matches in charge. His managerial career has included spells at Bordeaux and Olimpija Ljubljana before his successful return to Celje, where he currently has the Slovenian side sitting top of their domestic league.
From Premier League Winger to Bundesliga Manager
The new appointment marks a significant career progression for Riera, whose playing career included notable spells at several European clubs. After beginning his professional career at Bordeaux in 2003, he moved to Espanyol in 2005 before completing a loan spell at Manchester City in 2006. His most prominent period in English football came with Liverpool between 2008 and 2010, where he made 56 appearances in all competitions under manager Rafa Benitez.
The Spain international's time at Anfield ended controversially when he was suspended by Benitez after publicly criticising the manager and describing Liverpool as a "sinking ship." He subsequently played for Galatasaray, Olympiacos, Watford, Udinese, and Mallorca before retiring from playing in 2016. Interestingly, Riera was linked with a potential return to English football as recently as May, when Hull City considered him as a replacement for Ruben Selles before ultimately appointing Sergej Jakirovic.
Immediate Challenges and Transition Period
Riera will oversee his final match in charge of Celje on Sunday before joining up with his new Frankfurt squad. His first match in the Eintracht Frankfurt dugout is scheduled to be against Union Berlin on February 6th, giving him a brief period to implement his ideas and philosophy with the Bundesliga side. The appointment represents a fresh start for both club and manager as Eintracht Frankfurt look to move on from their Champions League disappointment and build towards future success under their new Spanish tactician.
