Surprise appointment Riera named Frankfurt coach
Eintracht Frankfurt announced Albert Riera as their new head coach on Friday, an unexpected move drawing him from the Slovenian club Celje.
The 43 year old Spaniard is set to begin his role on Monday 2 February, with a contract running through to 30 June 2028, according to a club statement.
Reports suggest Frankfurt settled on a transfer fee of 1.3 million euros, equivalent to around 1.5 million dollars, to bring Riera on board.
Frankfurt sporting director Markus Kroesche commented, In Albert Riera we have chosen a coach who delivers modern, high intensity and attacking football. He brings international expertise, a defined playing style and a structured method for daily team management.
He also aligns well with the club and our squad on a personal basis.
The club noted that Riera requested permission to lead one last match for Celje against Maribor on Sunday.
During his playing career, the 43 year old Riera featured for 11 various clubs, including Liverpool, Galatasaray and Espanyol, plus a short loan at Manchester City. He earned 16 caps for Spain.
Following a period as assistant coach at Galatasaray, Riera joined Olimpija Ljubljana, where he secured both the league title and the cup.
He then headed to Bordeaux, but departed after nine months without achieving promotion.
Returning to Slovenia, he guided Celje to the Slovenian Cup victory, and his team currently leads the league by 12 points.
Frankfurt dismissed Dino Toppmoeller in mid January following a string of disappointing results.
Toppmoeller had guided Frankfurt to third place in the Bundesliga last season, marking the clubs strongest performance in 30 years, yet this year the Eagles have faltered.
After 19 Bundesliga fixtures, Frankfurt occupy eighth position, trailing the Champions League spots by nine points, and they exited European competition prior to the final group stage.
Interim managers Dennis Schmitt and Alexander Meier will handle the upcoming home Bundesliga clash against Leverkusen on Saturday.