Eintracht Frankfurt Adi Hütter’s tactical shift brings first win

Eintracht Frankfurt manager Adi Hütter, the Austrian who last week said he might alter his side’s basic shape, delivered on that promise on Saturday. By abandoning the 4‑2‑2‑2 for a back three, Frankfurt secured their first Bundesliga win of the campaign with a 3‑1 triumph at Mainz.

Formation overhaul

Hütter abandoned the 4‑2‑2‑2 that had defined his tenure and installed a back three. Jeremiaha Maluze joined Robin Koch and Lilian Brassier as the new defensive line. The change came after a chastening 1‑4 loss against Augsburg.

Elias Baum and Keita Kosugi were granted greater protection in midfield, while Noël Aséko earned his first start alongside Raphael Onyedika. Jonathan Burkardt operated as the lone striker, replacing Younes Ebnoutalib, who lost his place despite a hat‑trick against Union Berlin. Changing the defensive structure forced Hütter into an uncomfortable attacking decision.

One week after his Sunday comments, Hütter explained the decision at the post‑match press conference.

“Thanks for the question,” Hütter said when asked to explain the change at the post‑match press conference after the Mainz victory. “Everyone assumed I just wanted to play in the 4‑2‑2‑2. The last time I was in Frankfurt, we also successfully played in a back three with Makoto Hasebe. This back three brought us this victory today. I like to remain flexible as a coach.”

Midfield and attacking tweaks

Burkardt created the opening goal after Kacper Potulski lost possession, setting up Can Uzun. He then scored himself before halftime, holding off Fabio Gruber before finishing past Robin Zentner. The striker also covered large distances, providing an outlet when Frankfurt transitioned forward.

Mario Götze entered the match shortly before the hour mark, pairing with Ritsu Doan on the right. His movement created the cut‑back that allowed Can Uzun to make it 3‑0. Götze’s experience helped control the game after the break.

Hütter praised his squad’s flexibility, recalling that the club previously succeeded with a back three featuring Makoto Hasebe. “I like to remain flexible as a coach,” he told Sky Germany. The Austrian believes further tactical tweaks will keep Frankfurt competitive.