Eintracht Frankfurt are navigating one of the most turbulent periods in recent memory, with instability on and off the pitch defining their early season. The biggest off-field development was the departure of sporting director Markus Krösche, who left the club by mutual consent on 18 October after more than five years. His exit followed mounting criticism over the failed appointment of Albert Riera as coach last winter, a difficult transfer record, and a flirtation with AC Milan over the summer. Transfer expert Matteo Moretto reports that Krösche is now close to joining Milan, with intensive negotiations already under way. Axel Hellmann has been elevated to chief executive in the restructuring that followed.

On the pitch, Adi Hütter's side remain inconsistent. Frankfurt sit 14th in the Bundesliga with eight points from seven games, a position that reflects a squad still finding its footing. A 1-0 defeat at Borussia Dortmund on 24 October, settled by Maximilian Beier's late goal, continued a run of mixed results that has included a heavy 0-6 loss to RB Leipzig. Hütter has not shied away from difficult conversations, publicly calling out Can Uzun over his attitude and consistency, warning the talented attacker that he risks standing in his own way.

With no European football this season for the first time in six years, the DFB-Pokal carries extra weight. Frankfurt face Hamburger SV at the Volksparkstadion on 27 October, a match broadcast live on RTL, and results in that competition now represent one of the clearest routes back toward a bigger stage.