Eintracht Frankfurt appoint Albert Riera as head coach on deal through 2028

Eintracht Frankfurt made a coaching change on Friday by hiring Albert Riera, a Spanish coach from the Slovenian club NK Celje on Friday. The Bundesliga club confirmed on Friday that Riera has signed a deal that runs until June 2028 and will officially take charge on Monday.

The 43 year old replaces Dino Toppmöller, who was dismissed earlier this month after Frankfurt failed to win four straight matches. That slump has now grown to seven games. Dennis Schmitt, the club’s under 21 coach, has overseen three losses during his temporary spell and will remain in charge for Sunday’s league game against Bayer Leverkusen.

Riera asked Frankfurt for permission to finish one last match with Celje before leaving. He will be on the touchline Sunday for the derby against Maribor, with Celje holding a comfortable 12 point lead at the top of the Slovenian league. Under his guidance, the club also reached the UEFA Conference League knockout playoffs.

Frankfurt believes Riera’s attacking style and high energy approach can lift the team, which has struggled badly in defense this season. Sporting director Markus Krösche said the club wanted a coach with a clear plan and modern ideas, adding, “He has international experience, a clear playing philosophy and an equally clear approach in his day-to-day work with the team.”

A former Spain international, Riera played for clubs including Liverpool, Bordeaux and Galatasaray before ending his career in Slovenia. He will be joined in Frankfurt by assistants Pablo Remon Arteta and Lorenzo Dolcetti after their final game with Celje. Riera’s immediate task will be tightening a defense that has allowed goals far too easily in both league and European play.