Oliver Glasner’s Arrival: Shaping Eintracht Frankfurt’s Tactical Identity
With Oliver Glasner officially taking the reins at Eintracht Frankfurt following Adi Hütter’s departure, anticipation is high regarding how the Austrian manager’s tactical philosophy will reshape the team. Glasner, well-known for an energetic, high-pressing, and vertical style during his Wolfsburg tenure, brings a fresh approach that could introduce significant changes at Deutsche Bank Park — especially in terms of formation. Below, we analyze three distinct systems Frankfurt could employ next season under Glasner’s leadership, each tailored to the strengths and depth of Die Adler’s squad.
Maintaining Familiar Foundations: Utilizing a Back Three (3-4-2-1 / 3-4-1-2)
Many of Glasner’s core principles align well with the existing DNA of Eintracht Frankfurt, particularly their recent reliance on a back-three formation. Under Adi Hütter, the team frequently switched between 3-4-2-1 and 3-4-1-2 setups, making these systems a natural starting point for Glasner’s tactical blueprint. While Wolfsburg mostly operated with a back-four last season, Glasner does have experience with this structure from his earlier managerial stints.
Central to making this formation work will be the retention of star forward Andre Silva, who netted 28 goals in the previous campaign and serves as the team’s primary reference point in attack. Silva’s clinical finishing and ability to lead the line mirror the role Wout Weghorst played for Glasner at Wolfsburg.
Frankfurt’s proven mix of vertical play and width — much of which originates from proactive wing-backs — should allow Glasner to maintain a balanced, yet forward-thinking approach. The presence of creative midfielders like Daichi Kamada and Amin Younes further differentiates Frankfurt from Glasner’s previous teams, who often featured pressing-oriented attacking midfielders. This creative core can thrive in a 3-4-2-1 or 3-4-1-2 by supporting Silva while making intelligent runs from deeper positions.
If Glasner seeks greater defensive solidity, a switch to a back-four could be on the cards. However, if maximizing attacking potential is the priority, keeping the back-three formation could offer the blend of high pressing and offensive dynamism that has characterized both Glasner’s and Frankfurt’s recent successes.
Embracing Directness: The 4-2-3-1 Structure
During his most recent campaign at Wolfsburg, Glasner demonstrated a clear preference for the 4-2-3-1, employing it in 29 out of 34 league matches. This setup capitalizes on direct progression, quick transitions, and compact pressing — all traits that could benefit Frankfurt, provided the squad adapts accordingly.
In Glasner’s Wolfsburg system, the number 10 often took on defensive responsibilities, while narrow wingers and advancing central midfielders focused on chance creation for the frontman. A similar tactical design could see Andre Silva operating as the focal striker, supported by the creative influence of Kamada and the attacking prowess of Filip Kostic on the flanks. Kostic, whose versatility allowed him to excel as a left-wing-back last season, may find his skillset maximized in a more advanced wide position, while Kamada transitions comfortably into a right-sided playmaker or central creator.
One challenge Frankfurt may face when shifting to a back-four is finding a natural fit at left-back. Kostic excelled in a hybrid role, balancing both offensive and defensive duties. Options like Erik Durm and Almamy Toure offer cover as fullbacks, while Evan Ndicka could be tested as a left-back in emergency scenarios. Glasner has a history of adapting wingers into fullback roles, but with Frankfurt’s relatively limited wide options, squad reinforcements might be necessary if a full commitment to the 4-2-3-1 is made.
Central midfielders Sebastian Rode and Djibril Sow can form a solid partnership akin to Wolfsburg’s Arnold and Schlager, supporting both ball retention and transitions. Meanwhile, defenders like Hinteregger and Tuta possess the ability to initiate attacks from the back, maintaining the balance between controlled build-up and direct passing.
Versatility and Pressing: Considering a 4-2-2-2 Setup
Glasner’s tactical history also includes experimentation with a 4-2-2-2 system — sometimes utilized as a variation of the classic 4-4-2. This formation, popular among pressing-oriented teams such as Salzburg and Southampton, presents a compelling alternative for Eintracht Frankfurt. The 4-2-2-2 could serve as an effective middle ground, blending pressing intensity with attacking width, though it does slightly limit the verticality seen in other setups.
Deploying two strikers would require depth alongside Andre Silva. While Silva remains indispensable, the departure of Bas Dost and the lack of an established secondary striker (with Ragnar Ache yet to establish himself) might prompt a search for a new partner upfront or a possible return of former loanee Luka Jovic.
In this formation, Kostic could thrive as one of the advanced wide midfielders, contributing both creatively and as a goal threat. The system also allows for flexibility: one forward can drop deeper to form a temporary 4-2-3-1, providing fluid movement and unpredictability in attack.
Defensively, the 4-2-2-2 (or a narrow 4-4-2 variant) emphasizes collective organization — an area where Glasner excelled with Wolfsburg, producing one of the Bundesliga’s stingiest defenses. Should the typical 4-2-3-1 not fully suit Frankfurt’s personnel, the Austrian coach can easily revert to this pragmatic double-pivot approach.
Conclusion: An Exciting Tactical Evolution Awaits Frankfurt
Whatever the formation ultimately chosen, Oliver Glasner’s tactical flexibility and focus on energetic, high-intensity football promise an exciting evolution for Eintracht Frankfurt. The key lies in adapting these structures to maximize the strengths of a talented squad, especially with pivotal contributors like Andre Silva and Filip Kostic. Fans can look forward to a dynamic season marked by tactical innovation and an attacking mindset as the Austrian manager begins his new chapter at the helm of Die Adler.
