Hutter returns as Eintracht Frankfurt coach

BERLIN, May 31 (Xinhua) -- Eintracht Frankfurt has appointed Adi Hutter as head coach from July 1, bringing the Austrian back for a second spell at the Bundesliga club on a contract until June 2029, the club announced on Sunday.

The 56-year-old previously coached Frankfurt from July 2018 to June 2021, a period remembered for bold attacking football, pressing and European nights.

In his first season, Frankfurt won all six matches in the Europa League group stage and reached the semifinals, while Hutter also guided them to the German Cup semifinals the following year. In 2020/21, Frankfurt qualified for the Europa League.

Hutter's return gives Frankfurt a familiar figure after the departure of Albert Riera and signals a desire to revive a clearer, more adventurous identity, with tempo and attacking purpose central to the club's approach.

"Adi Hutter stands for courageous attacking football, clarity and discipline," sporting director Markus Krosche said. "He has shown at his clubs that he can combine fast transition football with possession."

Krosche said Hutter's recent work at Monaco, where he developed and stabilised one of Ligue 1's youngest squads, showed why Frankfurt believed he could help them progress. "We are convinced that we can develop Eintracht further together," Krosche said, adding that Hutter's knowledge of the club's structures and environment meant he would need no settling-in period.

Hutter said returning to Frankfurt carried meaning after a first spell that left a lasting mark. "For me it is something very special and emotional to be Eintracht coach again," Hutter said. "Looking back, I always had the feeling that I was not finished yet."

After leaving Frankfurt, Hutter spent a season at Borussia Monchengladbach before moving to Monaco, whom he led to second place in 2023/24 and third the following season. He had earlier won the Austrian league and cup double with Salzburg in 2015 and the Swiss title with Young Boys in 2018.

Christian Peintinger and Klaus Schmidt will join as assistant coaches, while Jan Zimmermann remains goalkeeper coach. Enditem