Adi Hütter and Eintracht Frankfurt: A Tactical Deep Dive into the 2020-21 Season
The Bundesliga’s managerial carousel spun rapidly in 2021, culminating in Adi Hütter’s announcement as Borussia Mönchengladbach’s new head coach. This news broke just days after Hütter guided Eintracht Frankfurt to an impressive victory over VfL Wolfsburg, leaving many fans and analysts puzzled by his decision to leave a Champions League-contending team for one fighting for a top-six finish. Nevertheless, Hütter’s time at Frankfurt deserves recognition for the remarkable transformation and success he achieved. This analysis unpacks the tactical framework and key contributors behind Eintracht Frankfurt’s standout 2020-21 season under Hütter’s guidance.
The Strategic Foundation: Reimplementing the 3-4-1-2
With the return of Serbian striker Luka Jović, Hütter revived the 3-4-1-2 shape that previously unlocked the best from the squad under Niko Kovač. After experimenting with various formations in response to player departures—including shifts to a 3-4-2-1—Jović’s presence allowed Hütter to reestablish a dual-striker system. Andre Silva, Frankfurt’s Portuguese talisman, proved to be a perfect complement to Jović, contributing a remarkable 23 goals in 26 league appearances. While Jović managed 4 goals in 13 matches upon his return, his off-the-ball movement and partnership with Silva injected dynamism into the attack.
Behind the front line, the team comprised energetic, disciplined performers willing to support the star duo both defensively and offensively. This collective commitment lay at the heart of Frankfurt’s resurgence on the domestic front.
Wing-Backs and Midfield: The Engine Room of Hütter’s System
The roles of Filip Kostić and Erik Durm as wing-backs were pivotal. These experienced players consistently offered width and attacking thrust, particularly during transitions. Kostić’s relentless stamina and incisiveness yielded 4 goals and 11 assists from the left flank, marking him as one of the Bundesliga’s most productive wide players. On the opposite side, Durm contributed both defensively and as a supplementary option in transitional attacks.
In central midfield, Sebastian Rode returned to prominence after spells at Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, imparting leadership and tactical discipline. Alongside him, Djibril Sow emerged as an indispensable starter in 2020-21, anchoring the midfield with athleticism and composure.
Operating just behind the strikers, Daichi Kamada evolved into one of the league’s most exciting creators, registering 5 goals and 10 assists. Kamada thrived in pockets of space, driving forward at speed and providing the crucial link between midfield and attack. His ability to adjust deployment—from central to wide positions—allowed Hütter tactical flexibility, with players like Amin Younes often slotted in as additional creative outlets.
Defensive Solidity: Young Talent and Experienced Heads
Defensively, the departure of long-serving center-back David Abraham prompted a blend of youth and experience at the back. Youngsters Tuta and Obite Evan Ndicka stepped up alongside veterans Martin Hinteregger, Stefan Ilsanker, and 37-year-old captain Makoto Hasebe, providing defensive balance and discipline. Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, an ever-present figure, played every minute and contributed to one of the Bundesliga’s stingiest defensive records, with Frankfurt losing only three times after 28 matches.
Hütter’s system was designed to maximize the qualities of these defenders, blending efficient possession in the build-up phase with anticipation and tenacity in transitions.
Transition Play: Speed and Verticality as Key Weapons
One of Eintracht Frankfurt’s trademarks under Hütter was their explosive transition from defense to attack. The team wasted no time after recovering possession, utilizing the pace and movement of their wing-backs and attacking midfielders to exploit spaces left by opponents. Unlike possession-heavy approaches, Frankfurt frequently attempted ambitious and direct passes—evidenced by a pass completion rate of 78%—with an emphasis on rapidly progressing the ball toward the opponent’s goal.
Kostić was especially influential here, as 38% of Frankfurt’s attacks were initiated down the left flank, one of the highest in the league. In comparison, only 34% were launched down the right side, indicating a clear left-sided preference. This vertical, left-leaning strategy opened up opportunities for “give-and-go” exchanges—quick one-twos—particularly in wide areas, which disoriented defensive lines and created crossing opportunities.
When Kostić pushed high to deliver crosses, Durm would often tuck inside, adding an extra body in the penalty area. The front-line partnership of Jović and Silva amplified the threat inside the box, with both players proving lethal finishers.
Attacking Efficiency: Goals, Crosses, and Creativity
Frankfurt’s attacking numbers substantiate Hütter’s approach. Through 28 matches, the team netted 59 goals—the second-highest tally in the Bundesliga at the time. Much of this productivity stemmed from their aggressive crossing approach, averaging 21 crosses per match, again among the league’s best. The combination of aerially capable strikers and creative midfielders like Kamada and Younes made Frankfurt’s attack multifaceted and unpredictable.
Bullet Points: Key Features of Frankfurt’s Attack
– Heavy reliance on quick transitions facilitated by athletic wing-backs and midfielders.
– Frequent use of left-sided overloads with Kostić as a primary outlet.
– High volume of crosses, targeting dual strikers adept at aerial duels.
– Versatile attacking midfield roles, allowing flexible formation adjustments.
Structured Build-Up and Versatile Passing
While transitions defined much of Frankfurt’s threat, their possession sequences also demonstrated structure and purpose. During goal kicks and deep build-up phases, the three center-backs and dual midfielders formed triangulating patterns, patiently probing for openings, primarily in wide channels. This method allowed the wing-backs to progress up the pitch and combine with midfielders and forwards, often resulting in isolating defenders in 1-vs-1 situations.
If pressured, Frankfurt’s defenders could launch long passes to bypass the press. Goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, for instance, averaged nearly 8 successful long passes per match—among the highest in the Bundesliga for regular starters. Hinteregger and Hasebe also showed adeptness at playing accurate long balls. Notably, the team’s leaders in passes per game were their center-backs, underscoring their role as the starting point of attacks.
Pressing Game: Aggression and Flexibility
Defensively, Eintracht Frankfurt embraced an aggressive pressing style. They aimed to win the ball high up the pitch, often directing the opponent toward the flanks, where wing-backs applied pressure. Over the season, their pressing at times alternated between man-oriented (tracking opponents closely across the field) and ball-oriented (focusing on the player with possession). While the latter provided numbers around the ball, it occasionally left gaps if the press was bypassed.
In moments of extended defending, Frankfurt would shift to a 5-2-1-2 block, with Kamada positioning himself between lines as an outlet for counter attacks. Alternatively, in the 3-4-2-1 setup, they might morph into a 5-4-1 or 5-2-2-1, further strengthening their defensive shape and maintaining readiness to launch swift attacking transitions.
Conclusion: The Legacy and Future Impact of Adi Hütter’s Tactics
Adi Hütter’s tactical blueprint turned Eintracht Frankfurt into one of the Bundesliga’s most exciting and effective sides during the 2020-21 campaign. His ability to blend high-energy pressing, versatile formations, and vertical attacking football delivered not only results but also an entertaining brand of play. As he moves on to Borussia Mönchengladbach, the question remains whether Frankfurt’s new leadership will preserve his principles or usher in a new era.
For now, Hütter’s work stands as a prime example of how strategic coaching, combined with maximizing player strengths, can close the gap to the league’s elite and bring European ambitions within reach.
