The biggest story at Eintracht Frankfurt right now is not on the pitch. Sporting director Markus Krösche resigned with immediate effect on Sunday evening, ending a five-year tenure that brought the club the Europa League title in 2022 and two Champions League appearances. The departure had been building for weeks, driven by a difficult relationship with club president Mathias Beck, criticism over the failed appointment of Albert Riera as head coach last season, and a summer flirtation with AC Milan. Reports emerged within hours that Krösche is now close to joining Milan, with negotiations described as advanced over structure and responsibilities. Axel Hellmann has been appointed as the new chief executive to steady the ship.

On the field, Frankfurt are showing signs of recovery after a catastrophic opening to the season. The 0:6 hammering by RB Leipzig on matchday five left the club 14th in the table and sparked a public row between coach Adi Hütter and captain Robin Koch. Hütter subsequently reaffirmed Koch's position, and the response was immediate: a 1:0 win over Cologne on matchday six moved Frankfurt up to 11th with eight points from six games.

The challenge sharpens quickly. Frankfurt travel to Borussia Dortmund on 24 October, facing a side that has won five consecutive matches and scored freely. Rebuilding confidence under a new sporting structure, while navigating a difficult fixture, defines where the club stands right now.