Eintracht Frankfurt are navigating a turbulent period both on and off the pitch, with the departure of sporting director Markus Krösche reshaping the club's direction heading into a critical stretch of the season. Krösche resigned with immediate effect on 18 October after more than five years at the club, with the two parties agreeing to part ways following weeks of private discussions. His tenure, which included the 2022 Europa League triumph and two Champions League qualifications, had soured over a string of poor decisions, most notably the ill-fated appointment of Albert Riera as head coach last season. A reported flirtation with AC Milan over the summer further strained the relationship. Transfer expert Matteo Moretto has since reported that Krösche is close to joining Milan, with financial terms already agreed.

On the pitch, Frankfurt picked up a timely boost by beating Hamburger SV 3-1 in the DFB-Pokal second round, a result that provides some momentum after a 0-1 Bundesliga defeat at Borussia Dortmund the previous weekend. Sitting 14th in the table with eight points from seven games, the league form remains inconsistent under Adi Hütter, who has been publicly demanding more from his squad. The Austrian singled out attacker Can Uzun, warning that the young forward must embrace the collective side of the game or risk limiting his own development. Frankfurt host Hamburg again in the Bundesliga on 1 November, a match that offers the chance to build on their cup confidence and climb away from the lower half of the table.