Inside Oliver Glasner’s Tactical Transformation at Eintracht Frankfurt (2021/22)
Eintracht Frankfurt underwent a period of significant change with Oliver Glasner at the helm during the 2021/22 season. After a rocky start that saw the team wait eight matches for a first win, Frankfurt rapidly improved, marked by a stunning victory over Bayern Munich. Glasner’s continuity in formation, adaptation to player strengths, and strategic management of internal challenges saw the club grow into one of the Bundesliga’s most dynamic and unpredictable teams. This analysis explores the tactical evolution, key player roles, and performance patterns that defined Glasner’s debut campaign.
Formation Blueprint: The Flexible 3-4-2-1 Structure
Glasner primarily favored a 3-4-2-1 setup, closely mirroring the back-three system of his predecessor, Adi Hütter. While Hütter occasionally used the same formation, Glasner leaned into its flexibility, especially when replacing pivotal departed players like Andre Silva and Luka Jovic. The system generally positioned three central defenders behind a pair of central midfielders, with wing-backs providing width, two supporting attacking midfielders operating in the half-spaces, and a lone central striker.
A significant role change involved Daichi Kamada, who adapted from a traditional playmaking role to an inverted winger, resulting in a dip in his direct goal contributions (from 0.65 to 0.27 goals plus assists per 90 minutes). Rafael Borré, new to the Bundesliga, led the attack, while Jesper Lindstrøm emerged as a dynamic force following his arrival from Brøndby IF. Filip Kostic excelled as the main creative hub, thriving on the left flank due to Kamada’s and Lindstrøm’s central movements, which freed Kostic to operate high and wide.
Wing-Back Dynamics and Squad Depth
Kostic rapidly became the team’s key attacking threat, accumulating 3 goals and an impressive 8 assists. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses marked him as one of the most productive wing-backs in Europe. In contrast, the right wing-back position saw less consistency, with several players sharing minutes and contributing minimally on the offensive end. Recognizing this imbalance, Frankfurt secured Ansgar Knauff from Borussia Dortmund in January, hoping his pace and dynamism would eventually provide balance on the opposite flank.
Christopher Lenz regularly filled in as a more defensive option on the left, averaging 2.6 tackles per match. However, Kostic’s attacking output and consistent availability made him indispensable on the team sheet.
Midfield and Defensive Line Collaboration
The central midfield was orchestrated by Djibril Sow, who continued to mature as a complete midfielder and increased his goal involvement compared to previous seasons. Kristijan Jakic became an essential component alongside Sow due to Sebastian Rode’s sporadic availability. Further back, the center-back trio—Obite Evan Ndicka, Tuta, and Martin Hinteregger—proved not only reliable in defense but also contributed goals, particularly from set-pieces. Ndicka tallied 3 goals and 3 assists, while Tuta added another 3 goals, making Frankfurt’s defense one of the highest scoring back lines in the Bundesliga. In goal, Kevin Trapp maintained a strong presence, with a save rate of 74%.
Structured Build-Up Play: Patterns and Flexibility
Frankfurt’s build-up started with the three defenders and the goalkeeper forming the initial base. Often, the two central midfielders would drop deeper, producing a 3+2 structure to maintain control and offer passing outlets. Sow and Ndicka were particularly proactive in progressing play by carrying the ball forward or initiating direct, long passes to the wing-backs or inverted wingers positioned in the half-spaces.
One notable tactical feature was the straight-line alignment of the center-backs during early phases of possession, with the goalkeeper operating as a point at the base of a diamond. Wing-backs periodically began deep during goal kicks but advanced quickly to stretch opposition defenses and immediately involve Kostic in wide build-up moves.
In some matches, Frankfurt used variations such as a 3-1-4-2 configuration, allowing players like Kamada to drop into the midfield and contribute to early build-up, while offensive partners like Lindstrøm attacked spaces on the opposite side, exploiting disorganized defenses.
Key aspects of their possession game included:
– One-touch and two-touch passing sequences.
– Frequent use of wall passes to move the ball vertically.
– Direct play into forward areas when possible.
– Quick transitions from defense to attack, even while maintaining a generally counter-attacking identity.
Attacking Strategies: Width, Crosses, and Counter-Attacks
With a solid build-up foundation, Frankfurt’s attacks leveraged width and rapid transitions. Kostic and the available right wing-back pushed high, creating crossing and overload opportunities. The team averaged 23 crosses per game, second only to Bayern Munich, with Kostic leading the Bundesliga at 6.52 crosses per 90 minutes. Despite this, he was not always the main recipient of progressive passes, indicating that the team would often progress centrally or directly before spreading the ball wide for dangerous deliveries or cut-backs.
Frankfurt also utilized late runs into the box to finish off low crosses, catching defenses off guard, especially in transitional moments. Their prowess on set-pieces was evident, with 13 set-piece goals placing them among the league leaders, a testament to Kostic’s delivery and the aerial threat of defenders like Ndicka and Tuta.
The counter-attacking phase showcased Frankfurt’s athleticism and intelligence:
– Borré’s well-timed runs stretched opposing defensive lines.
– Kamada’s quick carries through central zones funneled the opposition inward, creating room for runners.
– Lindstrøm’s and Kostic’s speed allowed Frankfurt to capitalize rapidly on turnovers, making them one of the most efficient counter-punching sides in Germany.
Adaptive Defensive Tactics and Pressing System
While Frankfurt’s attacking metrics soared, defensive stability remained an area for improvement. The team registered only three clean sheets in 25 league matches and conceded 37 goals, resulting in a neutral goal difference.
Early in the season, defensive issues arose in transitions, especially in spaces vacated by advanced wing-backs. Over time, the team tightened its shape, with the back three and central midfield learning to compensate for wide gaps. Nonetheless, vulnerabilities persisted against direct balls, rapid forwards, and long-range shooting.
Despite these challenges, Frankfurt’s pressing game was among the Bundesliga’s best:
– They averaged 43.7 pressures per game in the attacking third and led the league in pressures in the middle third with 81.9 per 90 minutes.
– The high pressing block operated in a 3-4-3 or more commonly a 5-2-3/5-4-1 defensive structure, adjusting to opposition build-up shape.
– Midfielders like Sow and Jakic excelled at reading opposition play and timing tackles (Sow averaged 5.33 tackles plus interceptions per 90).
– In open play, defenders and midfielders combined intelligent pressing triggers with collective energy management, rarely over-committing but always organized and difficult to play through.
– The low block defaulted to a 5-4-1, protecting central areas and relying on Trapp to sweep up in behind.
A notable defensive strength was Frankfurt’s set-piece organization, conceding just 4 set-piece goals all season—a marked contrast to their openness in open play.
Season Overview: Achievements, Shortcomings, and Outlook
Oliver Glasner’s initial campaign in Frankfurt demonstrated his tactical flexibility and ability to adapt following significant departures and early-season adversity. By shifting to a counter-attacking 3-4-2-1, capitalizing on transitional opportunities, and instituting an energetic pressing system, he maximized the strengths of players like Kostic, Borré, Kamada, and Sow. While defensive vulnerabilities in open play and a lack of attacking depth behind Borré limited consistent top-four contention, the team’s dramatic improvement and tactical evolution were clear.
With further refinement and targeted recruitment—particularly in the right wing-back and secondary striker positions—Frankfurt possess the framework to re-enter the Bundesliga elite and mount serious challenges in European competitions under Glasner’s guidance.
Summary Table: Key Players and Contributions (2021/22)
| Player | Position | League Goals | Assists | Key Traits and Roles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Filip Kostic | Left Wing-Back | 3 | 8 | Elite crossing, set-piece deliveries, attacking outlet |
| Rafael Borré | Striker | First season | – | Constant movement, spearheads counter-attacks |
| Daichi Kamada | Attacking Mid/ Inverted Winger | – | – | Transitional playmaker, deep-lying creative role |
| Djibril Sow | Midfielder | 3 | 5 | Ball progression, pressing, tackles and interceptions |
| Obite Evan Ndicka | Center-Back | 3 | 3 | Aerial threat, ball carrying, defensive leader |
| Tuta | Center-Back | 3 | – | Scoring defender, reliability in build-up |
Conclusion
Oliver Glasner’s first year with Eintracht Frankfurt showcased an adept tactical mind able to adjust personnel and playing style to changing circumstances. The 3-4-2-1 system fostered attacking fluidity, creative width, and one of Europe’s most effective pressing games, while exposing areas for ongoing defensive improvement. If the club continues to evolve under Glasner, they are well-placed to rediscover past highs and compete for both domestic and continental honors.
