Frankfurt might just have their own secret weapon to hand Liverpool a fifth successive loss - opinion
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Liverpool need to stop the rot when they take on Frankfurt in the Champions League.The Reds’ situation is starting to get a little concerning, not only because of results but due to performances as well. A big reaction on Wednesday night is needed to put an end to their losing run, although Eintracht Frankfurt will certainly be no pushovers.Join our newsletter for news & smart analysis.
The German side are one of the most attacking teams in the Bundesliga and will look to exploit Liverpool’s shaky backline, with some of their stars capable of really sticking the knife in.However, they might just have a secret weapon that will help them beat Arne Slot’s side, and it is not any of the players on the pitch.Photo by Alberto Gardin/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesEintracht Frankfurt’s manager knows the Liverpool players wellAlthough the players are the ones that often get the credit for performances as they are the ones actually in control of what happens, the managers are the masterminds behind the scenes.Frankfurt manager Dino Toppmoller is certainly a very adept manager, with this his first real stint in charge of a big club.However, he has a wealth of experience as an assistant and, in fact, he has coached quite a few of Liverpool’s current stars.During his time at RB Leipzig, he coached Ibrahima Konate and Dominik Szoboszlai, suggesting he very much knows their strengths and weaknesses. Of course, he also managed Hugo Ekitike for two seasons, with this meeting set to be huge for the Frenchman given that it is his homecoming.With that said, Toppmoller will know a little more than other managers about how to exploit these players’ weaknesses and really get at Liverpool, suggesting it could be a long evening for the Reds.READ MORE: Liverpool’s predicted XI vs Frankfurt as ‘really poor’ ace dropped and Arne Slot makes bold attacking moveToppmoller was also the assistant at Bayern Munich while Ryan Gravenberch was there, but the Dutchman will not play a part in this one after being left at home due to picking up a knock against Man United.Dino Toppmoller has been full of praise for Hugo EkitikeIt will certainly be a big night for Ekitike returning to his former club, although he will be hoping to show them just how far he has come in a short period of time.Toppmoller is the one who first gave the Frenchman the chance to shine at Frankfurt and they built up a strong bond, with the Frankfurt manager full of praise for his former striker ahead of this reunion.“There are several [Liverpool] players I trained already,” Toppmoller told TNT Sports.“[Dominik] Szoboszlai, [Ibrahima] Konate, and also for sure Ekitike. [Ryan] Gravenberch at Bayern as well.“But for sure, with the connection [with Ekitike] it was closer because he was my player for one and a half years and my main striker, so it’s very nice to see how he directly fits perfectly in the squad of Liverpool.“He has already scored his goals, and he already has a big impact on the game for them, and I expect him also to start tomorrow.“We are looking forward to seeing him and hopefully at the end of the game we will be the winners.”