Mar 19, 2026
3 min read
While the performances of Jonathan Burkardt and Mario Gotze against Heidenheim were still surprising, things could have been very different in Mainz on Sunday.At least when Eintracht coach Albert Riera showed his tactics.
Eintracht ahead of the match in Mainz, sources of Impulse Burkardt and Götze enter the starting line-up
While the performances of Jonathan Burkardt and Mario Gotze against Heidenheim were surprising to say the least, things looked completely different in Mainz on Sunday.At least when Eintracht coach Albert Riera showed the instructions.
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A special day is approaching for Jonathan Burkart.Away from home in Mainz with the Zero Five, where the Eintracht Frankfurt striker stepped on his boots for eleven long years.Always motivated, always in behavior, always impeccable, almost always successful.You can imagine what would happen to the 25-year-old - if he experienced the same thing last Saturday.watchThe latter was initially not dangerous at all for his colleagues, who played against the worst team in the German Bundesliga, and then became dangerous from time to time.And they won with Arno Kalimundo's great goal.
Eintracht coach Albert Riera's decision to ignore the best penalty in a match against a deep opponent like 1. FC Heidenheim (1-0) was surprising.At least.Many people could not understand it.Only Burkardt could help keep the scoring going in the last 11 minutes, when it was too much.
Where are you going with Burkard and Calimuendo?
"I can't put twelve players. I have to make a decision," explained Riera, adding that he also wants "additional options" on the bench.Because, as football teachers generally say: "It is not the best players who play, but the ones who are most suitable for this particular game."Riera is right.A win is a win, no matter what.
Now a bench game doesn't mean it will be the same next week.Riera should be tactful enough not to offend Brainiac Burkardt at his old workplace.A starting position would be appropriate, especially if the striker has enough quality.Of course, the coach should either move Calimuendo back to the right or assign him to a dual leadership position alongside Burkardt.Kan Uzun and Younes Ebnoutalib are expected to return as additional options.Interesting, offensive line.
Götze's contract negotiations are going well
Like Mario Gotze: The 33-year-old was in the starting line-up in three of Riera's first four games at Eintracht, but he didn't play at all against St. Pauli and Heidenheim.Especially against a tight defense that screamed for a player like Gotze.Little space, little time, lots of speed.Something Götze always has in mind on good days, something Pharez Chaibi lacks here and there, even at 23. Walking is faster than Goetze.
Although he played from the bench in the last two games, he said that he basically agreed with Riera's philosophy. The relationship between referee and head coach is very good. According to hr-sport's information, Götze is therefore a possible option to extend his contract, which expires in the summer, at a lower salary than now.
Despite personnel problems: confidence in safety
While Mainz offers various attacking options in Burkardt, Götze and Uzun and Ebnoutalib, the defensive staff is sparse.With Robin Koch suspended, Arthur Teat only in advanced training and Rasmus Christensen long injured, three of the four regular defenders are out.
What two months ago in Eintracht Cosmos caused pure panic and - at least palpable - fear of conceding five or six goals, instead of the usual three, today is accepted with indifference.Of course, Riera will also have the likes of Koch or Christensen on board, but according to reports, it may not be easy for Tate to coach once he returns.Overall, though, the team's fundamentals of stability confidence have been fully restored.
Brown and Amanda are strong, Collins is hesitant
Left back Nathaniel Brown and his neighbor Oriel Amanda are both in excellent form.Recently, they've also had the ability to collectively absorb some of the shortcomings of center back Namdi Collins, who has improved a bit but is still a mess.
By the way, to return briefly to Jonathan Burckhardt: Considering the injured and suspended players, the supporter can lead the Eintracht team on the field, the former Mainz boss.
