Markus Krösche was just missing the Kostic case.

As if the new sports director of Frankfurter Eintracht didn't have enough to do shortly before the end of the transfer period this Tuesday.

It is no surprise that the 28-year-old Kostic, who is Frankfurt's most important offensive player, has become a candidate for change this summer.

Hardly anyone would have believed the “model professional” (quote from fellow player Martin Hinteregger) that he deliberately skipped the final training session one day before the Bielefeld game.

Because Kostic obviously wants to force his departure to Lazio Rome, he used unfair methods to put his personal interests above those of Eintracht Frankfurt.

With his unprofessional solo action, he not only damaged his reputation considerably.

No worker can go on an individual labor strike without drastic consequences.

With his ruthlessness, Kostic also damages the reputation of his serious employer.

Not to forget that Kostic chose the targeted provocation in order to lower the transfer fee for himself.

In this regard, too, out of self-interest, he takes into account the economic damage to the club.

The case raises the question of whether Eintracht still has its business under control.

Consistently against the egoist

The misconduct of Kostic, which can hardly be surpassed in audacity, must now be countered by a clear strategy. Showing a clear edge is important. Above all, Krösche is called upon to show with the necessary severity that the club cannot be demonstrated by a player. This is also in the spirit of the new trainer Oliver Glasner, who is not allowed to tolerate extra tours by individuals.

If the Frankfurters, after weighing all the circumstances, aim to sell Kostic, whose market value is estimated at a good 30 million euros, they should only sell it if the transfer fee for the Serb meets their expectations. Otherwise, Eintracht Kostic must refuse approval. And make it clear to him that she will not allow herself to be blackmailed; that he has to fulfill his contractual obligations in Frankfurt up to and including June 30, 2023.

As an educational measure, a fine, measured against Kostic's income, appears appropriate.

If the player remains stubborn, does not see his serious mistake and does not want to reintegrate into the team, the club management would have to move him to the stands until the next transfer window in winter.

This measure would adversely affect Kostic's market value.

But it must be worth the harmony.

She would have sent a strong signal that she does not recommend the behavior of the player to be imitated and that she remains master of the process.

At the moment, Krösche's authority is at stake.

The failed move from Amin Younes to Saudi Arabia makes his work even more difficult.

Under great time pressure, the sports directorate must succeed in helping Eintracht to calm down again.