Eintracht Frankfurt finds itself in a challenging position, caught between the battle lines of Germany's top football clubs. While the team is focused on achieving its own goals this season, the 2022 UEFA Europa League winners may feel like a sparring partner to the country's leading sides, such as Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

As fans eagerly await the upcoming UEFA Champions League clashes between Leverkusen and Bayern on March 5 and 11, Frankfurt faces league games against both of these giants. Saturday's match against Xabi Alonso's Leverkusen follows a painful 4-0 defeat to Bayern last weekend.

Niels Nkounkou (R) of Eintracht Frankfurt vies with Yorbe Vertessen of Union Berlin during the first division of Bundesliga match in Frankfurt, Germany, March 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Fan)

While the showdown between Bayern and Leverkusen dominates the headlines, Frankfurt, currently third in the Bundesliga, is fighting to secure one of the top four spots in the league. "We know about their power and are aware that it takes a perfect day to get through," sporting director Markus Kroesche said, referring to Leverkusen's impressive 28-match unbeaten run away from home.

Bayern's match against Frankfurt served as a valuable test ahead of the Champions League, and Leverkusen's visit may present similar challenges. "We are not the favorites," Kroesche acknowledged, but added that Frankfurt is working to establish itself among the top teams while developing a promising squad full of young players. The team's average age is 23.6, compared to Bayern's 28.4, and like Bayern, Leverkusen can rely on significant experience.

In its push for next season's Champions League qualification, Frankfurt is also investing in the future. Young players such as Hugo Larsson, Kaua Santos, and Nnamdi Collins recently signed long-term contracts, followed by 21-year-old Nataniel Brown. Kroesche called matches against Bayern and Leverkusen "important learning lessons" for Frankfurt's young squad, led by 32-year-old Mario Gotze, a 2014 World Cup winner.

Scoring difficulties have also been a concern, especially after top striker Omar Marmoush left for Manchester City during the winter break in an 80 million euro deal. Now, the responsibility falls on Hugo Ekitike, along with new arrivals Elye Wahi (22) and Michy Batshuayi (31), who are still adjusting to their new environment.

Despite these challenges, Frankfurt has shown signs of improvement this season. Kroesche called games against established teams "an opportunity to gain experience," adding, "We are happy with the development this season." Ahead of the match against Leverkusen, he advised fans to focus on Frankfurt's own progress rather than the upcoming battle between Bayern and Leverkusen, which is likely to attract most of the attention.

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