Eintracht Frankfurt are navigating one of the most turbulent periods in recent memory, with the resignation of sporting director Markus Krösche on Sunday evening marking a significant turning point. Krösche, who joined from RB Leipzig in 2021 and oversaw the club's Europa League triumph in 2022, left by mutual consent after weeks of private discussions with supervisory board chairman Mathias Beck. His contract runs until 2028, but the relationship had deteriorated steadily, damaged by the failed appointment of Albert Riera as head coach last season and a string of underwhelming transfer decisions. Reports emerged almost immediately that AC Milan are in advanced talks to appoint him, with negotiations described as close to a conclusion.

On the pitch, there are at least tentative signs of recovery. The 1-0 win over Köln on matchday six, secured by Younes Ebnoutalib in the 77th minute, was only the club's second victory of the season and lifted them to 11th in the Bundesliga table with eight points from six games. It was a welcome response after the humiliating 0-6 defeat to RB Leipzig the previous week, which had also sparked a public row between coach Adi Hütter and captain Robin Koch. Hütter subsequently reaffirmed Koch's position, but the episode exposed the fragility within the squad.

With Axel Hellmann now elevated to chief executive and a search for Krösche's successor underway, Frankfurt head to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday carrying cautious momentum but considerable uncertainty about the club's direction.