The return of Igor Matanovic is eagerly awaited at Eintracht Frankfurt. The Croatian had a strong year at Karlsruher SC.
Frankfurt – Of course, the jump from the second division to the first Bundesliga is a big one. However, if an attacker contributes 14 goals and seven assists in 32 competitive matches, then he has qualities hidden within him. Igor Matanovic has had an outstanding season at Karlsruher SC. In particular, sports director Markus Krösche from Eintracht Frankfurt is excited about his leap forward. The manager of the Bundesliga club, to which Matanovic is returning and with whom he has already extended his contract for the long term, has almost repeatedly predicted in discussions that he could one day become the club’s number one striker.
Matanovic returns to Eintracht with a lot of self-confidence
From the summer onwards, coach Dino Toppmöller will have to develop the attacker and get him used to the highest German league. Matanovic said in the YouTube format KSC-Kneipentalk: “It’s clear that I’m coming back with a different level of confidence. I’m really looking forward to the task.” The 21-year-old has become much more mature and grown up at KSC. He scored his first goal in the 3-0 win against FC Schalke 04. In 2024, he was almost unstoppable for his opponents, and was involved in twelve (!) goals.
Igor Matanovic had a strong season at KSC. © IMAGO/Eibner-Pressefoto/Jan Prihoda
Before his loan to KSC, he had already shown “my true self” in Frankfurt – even though he had left FC St. Pauli after a zero-goal season: “I still told myself that I would take everything quite relaxed. If it doesn’t work out, then that’s just how it is. But the preparation started well and I scored four goals in the test matches.” Given the competition, which at the time still included Randal Kolo Muani, Rafael Borré, Lucas Alario, Omar Marmoush and Jessic Ngankam, the call from Karlsruhe coach Christian Eichner came at exactly the right time.
Great praise from KSC colleague Gondorf
His teammate Jerome Gondorf highlighted what made Matanovic stand out at KSC: “I always praise Igor because I think he’s an exceptional boy. He’s very honest, down-to-earth and critical of himself. Sometimes we have to stop him when he starts running because he opens up a hole out of good will. That’s obviously not always good from a team tactical perspective. But it’s clear to me that he’ll definitely continue on his path in the Bundesliga in the coming years.”
“I always praise Igor Matanovic because I think he is an extraordinary boy. He is very honest, extremely down-to-earth and critical of himself.”
The optimal development of Matanovic may also take the pressure off Eintracht boss Krösche on the transfer market. Can Matanovic, who is on the reserve list of Croatia’s European Championship squadthe wall player of the future that Toppmöller wants? Are the Hessians, with Matanovic, Hugo Ekitiké, Marmoush and homegrown Nacho Ferri, if he stays, prepared for the upcoming triple burden? The as yet unconfirmed new signing Can Uzun can also play as a centre forward if required. The attack was a constant work in progress in the season just ended. Kolo Muani went to Paris Saint-Germain at the last minute in the summer and winter newcomer Sasa Kalajdzic was seriously injured after just a few weeks. Something like that should not happen again!
Matanovic will get time at Eintracht
Matanovic will be given all the time he needs during the preparation and at the start of the season to get used to the side of stars like Mario GötzeRobin Koch, Ekitiké or Marmoush. What was important, however, was that KSC generally played attractive and offensive football. Matanovic, who is very agile and agile despite being 1.94 metres tall, contributed some impressive goals and assists. His next big step is now set to follow in Frankfurt.
2024-06-01 04:04:08
#Eintracht #striker
