A season plagued by inconsistencies ended on a fairly successful note for Eintracht Frankfurt as they achieved their minimum aim of finishing in the top half of the Bundesliga table and five points away from claiming a European qualification spot. Thomas Schaaf had taken over from Armin Veh at the start of the new season and there was genuine hope that the former Werder Bremen coach would turn the club into a side that regularly challenged for a European qualification spot. Frankfurt did get off to a good enough start, losing just once in their opening seven games of the season, though just three of them ended in victories. Shaky defense was quickly emerging as a major problem for Schaaf, with Frankfurt managing to keep just two cleansheets in their opening 20 games as Bayern Munchen, SC Freiburg, Stuttgart and Hertha Berlin all managed to put four goals past Kevin Trapp in the Frankfurt goal. However Alexander Meier though was almost single handedly keeping Frankfurt well clear of the relegation zone, with the midfielder managing to score 19 goals over the course of the season despite his campaign ending prematurely in April with a knee injury. Meier's injury triggered a dip in form for Frankfurt as goals dried up and they could only manage to collect just two points in the next five games, raising fears of a relegation battle over the final weeks of the season. However a timely return to form in the final three games saw Frankfurt secure seven points to climb into the top half of the table and finish the season in ninth place. The campaign though has ended on a sour note for Frankfurt with Schaaf confirming that he will be leaving the club after just one season, blaming the club's board for his departure. Frankfurt are yet to confirm Schaaf's replacement, though Bayer Leverkusen coach Sascha Lewandowski is being touted as a possibility. On the field, Frankfurt have so far confirmed one arrival with Stefan Reinartz signed from Leverkusen on a free transfer though the new coach will be needing more reinforcements if he is to ensure a stronger challenge for a top six spot next season.
