Toppmöller issues challenge to Chaibi after "inconspicuous" play in attack
Eintracht Frankfurt trainer Dino Toppmöller made a deliberate effort to encourage competition among his players for places in the starting XI at his Friday presser.
| Photo: Eintracht Frankfurt |
"I'm very confident about Hugo," Toppmöller said of Ekitiké, "He is another good offensive option. We've all seen the quality he's already shown. It's clear that a lot revolves around him, though performance remains the foundational basis [for squad selection]."
Toppmöller had clearer words for another one of his offensive slots. Algerian international Fares Chaibi started in Toppmöller's highly effective 4-1-4-1 last week, yet was taken off in favor of nagar Knauff before the first half was out.
Though it was true that Chaibi picked up a booking, such a move wouldn't have taken place before half-time without performance factors playing a role. The SGE trainer confirmed that this was the case on Friday, strongly suggesting that Knauff would get the nod over Chaibi.
"I really like Faris because he has a very high quality, but he hasn't been as conspicuous in recent weeks in terms of his attacking play," Toppmöller said "[a benching] could happen, but it's not final yet. Of course things must be considered."