The biggest story at Eintracht Frankfurt right now is not on the pitch. Markus Krösche stepped down as sporting director on Sunday evening after more than five years at the club, with Frankfurt confirming they granted his request for immediate release. The departure closes a chapter that included the Europa League triumph of 2022 but ended amid growing friction over transfer strategy, the failed appointment of Albert Riera as head coach last season, and reported interest from AC Milan. Reports suggest Krösche is now close to joining Milan, with transfer expert Matteo Moretto indicating that talks between the two parties have been intensive and financial terms are largely agreed.

On the pitch, Frankfurt's season continues to lack consistency. A 1-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, settled by Maximilian Beier's late goal, left the club in 13th place with eight points from seven games. Trainer Adi Hütter is working to impose structure on a squad that has shipped 16 goals this season, one of the worst defensive records in the division. His public criticism of Can Uzun this week, after dropping the forward for the Köln win, signals that Hütter is willing to challenge individuals to raise their standards.

Frankfurt now travel to Hamburg on Tuesday for a DFB-Pokal tie, giving Hütter an early opportunity to restore confidence before the Bundesliga resumes.