Hasebe on teammate and friend: 'Daichi will sign'
Eintracht Frankfurt's most important piece of lingering business might be wrapped up soon if his friend and mentor is to be believed.
In an interview with the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, Bundesliga legend Makoto Hasebe disclosed that he expects teammate and countryman Daichi Kamada to sign a contract extension with the SGE soon. Eintracht Sporting Director Bruno Hübner, in an interview with Kicker last week, hinted that negotiations to extend coach Adi Hütter’s contract were nearly done and that a deal with Kamada would follow.
“Daichi will sign,” Hasebe told the FAZ, “He didn’t play all that consistently last season. He must play consistently for a full year before thinking about his future. I imagine he will sign very soon.”
The FAZ documents the special relationship the veteran Hasebe is said to have with his younger colleague. The 36-year-old took the shier youngster under his wing when he first arrived at the club, and has been urging him to re-up. Hasebe notes that he treats his valued protégé with a respectful, big-brotherly candor.
While others may shower him with praise, the Bundesliga’s record-holder for appearances by an Asian player revealed that he’s not afraid to keep a friend in check. “I’m harder on him. When he threatens to become too arrogant, I bring him back him back down. It would be best for his development [to stay]”
The article also quotes Hasebe as emphasizing Kamada feels comfortable in Frankfurt alongside his wife and child. “I think he stays,” concluded his mentor.