Trapp: “We still have to improve a few things”

After Eintracht Frankfurt conceded four goals each against the top two clubs, Kevin Trapp remarks his team lacks a lot.

The Eagles lost 4-0 to league-leaders Bayern Munich last week. While that was largely about the events unfolding in the second-half, yesterday’s 4-1 home defeat to defending champions Bayer Leverkusen was a result of a weak first-half performance by Dino Toppmöller’s side.

Following these defeats, Bundesliga’s third-placed team is now 19 and 11 points behind the big guns in the standings. While Frankfurt’s captain admits the class of their opponents, he pushes his team to improve on their recent form.

“We had an absolutely top team against us today,” Trapp starts his post-match interview with Sky. “They are incredibly effective and determined. It’s very straightforward because there’s a lot of planning behind it. Of course, there’s also an incredible amount of individual quality.” Trapp also put down Frankfurt’s good spell to “Leverkusen shifting down a gear” after leading 3-0 and 4-1.

“We could learn from that. Leverkusen were one or two classes stronger and better. They played very mature, tough football,” said the shot-stopper before a quick glance at the positives. “We are still up there. But now comes crunch time. We’ve got a very, very long way to go. And, we still have to improve on a few things. There will be no easy games in the near future.”

Frankfurt will travel to Eredivisie leaders Ajax on Thursday in the Europa League Round of 16 tie before the home leg next week.