Krösche lays out case to retain André Silva: "We will keep him scoring goals"
New Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krösche had only one piece of definitive information to share with assembled members of German media during his introductory virtual press conference on Tuesday.
When it came to the fate of his two most influential players, strong words will have to suffice for now.
The former Leipzig exec. insisted that, with solid arguments, the club had a "very good chance" of retaining André Silva and Filip Kostic.
In Silva's case, it's a matter of promising further success.
When it came to the fate of his two most influential players, strong words will have to suffice for now.
The former Leipzig exec. insisted that, with solid arguments, the club had a "very good chance" of retaining André Silva and Filip Kostic.
In Silva's case, it's a matter of promising further success.
| Markus Krösche. | Photo: GEPA Pictures/Roger Petzsche |
Frankfurt still have many other players due back on loan. Striker Gonçalo Paciencia and keeper Frederick Rønnow are scheduled to return at the end of the month from Schalke. Midfielders Rodrigo Zalazar (FC St. Pauli) and Nils Stendera (Lokomotiv Leipzig), as well center-forward Dejan Jovelic (Wolfsberger AC) also have June 30th return date stamps.
Asked a direction question about the other loaned out players, Krösche acknowledged that the administrative focus needed to secure the services of new head-coach Oliver Glasner hadn't necessarily afforded him the time to consider them yet. That, at least, was the interpretation of most German football journalists.
"I will discuss that with the coach in the coming days," Krösche replied when asked about them.
Krösche unquestionably scored quite the coup in getting Glasner inked so quickly. His next task, however, looks to be quite the challenge. As rumors about leading goal-scorer André Silva and Filip Kostic continue to swirl, Krösche did his level best to get out ahead on the public-relations front.
"I will try everything, together with the coach, to convince them that it makes sense to continue along with us on this path," he noted, "whether or not we succeed shall be seen. The lads have their own ideas, but they know what they have here in Frankfurt."
Krösche specifically addressed the case of Silva, who's sensational 28-goal league campaign (29 tallies across all competitions) leaves him with more than enough caché to move to a Champions' League club.
"I think we have a very good chance that he will stay with us," Krösche remarked with some confidence, "André knows that it worked out very well with us last year and the way we want to play football will help him keep scoring goals."
In addition to making the case for "selective reinforcements", the 40-year-old noted that he would use the return of the SGE ultras as a talking point in keeping both players. Eintracht will still play in the Europa League next season. Both Kostic and Silva have some experience with stadium atmosphere from the 2019/20 campaign.
"Playing in front of the fans in Europe will be a tremendous factor that will be tremendous fun for both of them as it is for us," Krösche noted.
Krösche also took the opportunity to speak directly to the club fans by discussing his living arrangements. Unlike predecessor Fredi Bobic, the new sporting director won't be staying in a luxury hotel as part of his commute to work. Though the former SC Paderborn professional's family remain in East Westphalia, he has rented out a modest apartment in the area.
"It's extremely important for me to have my own apartment and be a real Frankfurter," he told the press corps, "Eintracht Frankfurt has always been a club with great tradition and charisma. I'm extremely happy to be a part of this club and am impressed by its extraordinary fans."