First Istanbul, then Bielefeld.

For unity, things are happening in quick succession.

When the eyes of the Frankfurt soccer players and the coaching team around head coach Oliver Glasner turn to Turkey from 12 noon this Friday, the Eintracht entourage is powerless.

She cannot actively influence who will be drawn for the group stage in the Europa League.

Glasner and Co. have to take it as it comes.

Only one thing is certain: "We definitely want to winter in the Europa League," said Glasner on Thursday.

Ralf Weitbrecht

Sports editor.

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It was the day when the 46-year-old Eintracht coach looked back briefly to immediately focus on the test at Arminia.

With the zero number against FC Augsburg “we did a lot of things very well,” said Glasner, who, together with his team, had done an extensive video study of his home game premiere.

And because the analysis was positive in his opinion, he was also very confident that the first win of this season could finally be something.

The matchday on Saturday in the best Bundesliga time in the afternoon at half past three (in the FAZ live ticker for the Bundesliga and on Sky) is a special one for Glasner: The Austrian is celebrating his birthday, he will be 47 years old, and if everything goes according to plan in East Westphalia, “then will we toast three points on the return flight ”.

Memories of the past season

When Eintracht had to prove itself for the last time in the stadium on the Bielefelder Alm, the joy was great.

It was 5: 1 almost exactly seven months ago.

It was one of the best and most thrilling away games for Eintracht last season.

André Silva and Luka Jovic, who had long since moved on, scored goals - and Filip Kostic was also able to cheer.

Kostic continues to wear the dress with the eagle on his chest, and Glasner is not at all worried that the Serb has not struck yet.

Well groomed, the soccer teacher reminded you how previous Eintracht attackers would have done in their first row.

The numbers: Jovic two goals.

Silva three goals.

Ante Rebic zero goals.

Sebastién Haller six goals.

It is true that the "offensive grenades", as Glasner called the strikers, hit more often and more reliably in the period that followed.

And that's why he said, referring to his current attacker Rafael Borré: “I'm absolutely calm and relaxed.

Borré doesn't have to wear this backpack. "

The Colombian, freed from alleged pressure, should continue to play carefree and try to help the team with goals that he expected from himself and that he promised his new club when he took up his duties.

"It is important that they do not cramp up," said Glasner to the address of his players, who would have impressed him again with very good performances this training week.

But the results of unity are not yet correct.

Glasner doesn’t worry about that.

He trusts that the results will come, “because we have a great team spirit.

Our biggest team building event takes place on the pitch, ”said the trainer.

"That is lived team spirit."

Also included, but still not the first choice for the squad: Almamy Touré.

The most recently injured right-back has been in practice for days "without any problems", as Glasner explained.

Tuta too, the defender colleague who made it to a regular player under the former coach Adi Hütter, but now has to fight for his post.

"He's a young player and is currently going through a small dent," said Glasner: "But he's also clearly on the way up."

For Sebastian Rode, recently operated on on his knee, the current days are difficult days.

The captain cannot actively help that Eintracht gets on track, as the Glasner and his helpers, but also the club leaders around sports director Markus Krösche imagine.

Patience is required.

Glasner expects that Rode will be back in a few weeks.

This Friday, when the team is watching in front of the TV which three clubs Eintracht has drawn in the group stage of the Europa League, Rode will of course be there. Kostic too. With him, Glasner is certain that he will bring his strengths and speed to bear profitably. The coach trusts his perhaps most important, diverse and unpredictable player with ten goals and 15 assists. "I've rarely seen such a left-footed shot," he enthused. One can imagine what the trainer would like for Kostic's birthday.