Chandler and Toppmöller recall recent Bayern thrashing: “Goosebumps when thinking back.”

Flanked by newly re-signed team leader Timothy Chandler, Eintracht Frankfurt head-coach Dino Toppmöller recalled how amazing it felt to demolish upcoming opponents FC Bayern München in this season’s “Hin-runde”. 

Ahead of a highly anticipated re-match with German giants FC Bayern München this weekend, Eintracht Frankfurt head-coach Dino Toppmöller could only look back at his team’s 5-1 demolition of the Bavarians in early December with a wistful smile. Toppmöller was joined at his Thursday pre-match presser by newly re-signed veteran Timothy Chandler, whom the club perhaps opted to give a run-out before the cameras as part of his anticipated coaching career after retirement.

“That was an absolute top performance from everyone,” Toppmöller said of the December win, “We pushed ourselves to the limit, but also had the necessary bit of luck that a lot went our way. We still deserved it. The atmosphere was fantastic. I still get goosebumps when I think back to that moment. It was a great game and a great feeling.”

Chandler agreed and – reflecting on two tough matches ahead against very good Bayern and Leverkusen sides – sought to emphasize that the RheinMain Adler could potentially still furnish some surprises. With several key actors returning, Eintracht were able to beat Augsburg in convincing fashion last Friday night.

“It’s about getting on their nerves and not just allowing them to establish their game,” Chandler said, “If we approach the game with intensity, we know that we can beat Bayern.” 

Toppmöller – in addition to having most of his preferred starters back – also gets central defender Tuta back from a two-match-suspension. Algerian attacker Fares Chaibi may have to pass with a cold, but Ansgar Knauff can likely slide into the XI easily. The SGE trainer effectively denied he would employ any major alterations to last week’s tactics.

“We’re trying to get players who have played recently into a flow,” Toppmöller said, “We won’t be sitting back. That doesn’t suit us. The quality of the opponent makes it tough, but we’ll press high and look for counter opportunities.”