Eintracht Frankfurt has ended its collaboration with head coach Albert Riera after just three and a half months. The club announced this a day after the final match of the season against VfB Stuttgart (2:2).
The separation had already been considered likely: Riera lacked support within the club environment, and for the first time in six years, Eintracht missed out on qualifying for European competition. Sporting director Markus Krösche had repeatedly avoided making a commitment to the Spaniard in recent weeks. Riera took over from Dino Toppmöller on February 1.
"Open and honest analysis of sporting development
"After intensive discussions, we have mutually decided to end our collaboration with immediate effect," said sporting director Markus Krösche, who had recently avoided making a commitment to the Spaniard. Riera became Toppmöller’s successor on February 1.
According to Krösche, Riera and his team "provided valuable input through their meticulous work", but "at the same time, after an open and honest analysis of our sporting development, we have come to the conclusion that we want to take a different path for the coming season."
"The club and I have mutually agreed to end our collaboration," said Riera. "As coach, I take responsibility for the sporting results, and during this time my only focus was on improving the team and making it successful."