Hugo Ekitiké feels snug in Frankfurt
Three objectives, two assists: Hugo Ekitiké obtained rolling on the finish of the season. It’s truly a disgrace that the house recreation in opposition to RB Leipzig (3:30 p.m. within the FAZ stay ticker for the Bundesliga and on Sky) might be over subsequent Saturday. “I’d be prepared for 5 extra video games,” says the stormy Frenchman.
On-site appointment on the skilled camp. The Eintracht skilled sits on the press podium in his work uniform. Sacha Gempek, workforce administration and integration worker, sits subsequent to his compatriot and interprets what the 21-year-old Ekitiké has to say. At the tip of a season during which Eintracht are nonetheless sixth within the desk and attempting to defend their lead over rivals Hoffenheim, “something can nonetheless occur”.
Sixth or seventh place, Champions League, Europa League, Conference League: “Everything is feasible,” is how the Frankfurt attacker interprets. “My want, after all, is that we get the very best out of it for ourselves and the followers.” In the ultimate competitors with the Saxons, who’ve as soon as once more certified for the Champions League, Ekitiké needs to discover the boundaries of arithmetic. “We need to obtain 200 p.c on the pitch,” he says. One factor is for certain: As within the many earlier league video games, Eintracht should push the boundaries and present what is mostly stated to be their skill.
A wave of sympathy
When Ekitiké determined to show his again on Paris within the winter in an effort to search his fortune in Frankfurt, the Frenchman, who had come to Germany with excessive hopes, didn’t see himself as “that dangerous,” as he stated on Wednesday. However, his considerably blatant state of health was undisputed. It was a wave of sympathy that Ekitiké acquired from his new superiors, as he emphasizes. “I instantly felt a way of belonging. It has quite a bit to do with belief,” he says. “I obtained an advance. I really feel this belief and I can lastly play utterly. I really feel very effectively. But I additionally know that I nonetheless have to enhance my efficiency.”
Nobody is aware of whether or not Ekitiké will stay loyal to the contract. But one factor is for certain: the striker has sufficient time to depart a long-lasting mark on Eintracht. The just lately activated buy possibility means it’s now locked in till summer season 2029. In order to lastly turn into a Frankfurt skilled footballer, Ekitiké needed to make ten first division appearances. He has presently performed 13 video games for the membership, the place he additionally feels snug due to the polyglot coach.
Dino Toppmöller speaks good French and is at all times trying to speak to the big French group. “It’s a bonus for me that the coach speaks my language. He can clarify many issues to me. Recently he confirmed me two or three movies. It will assist me to carry out higher,” hopes Ekitiké.
“I’ve a dream to play for France”
When requested about his strengths, the Frankfurt striker would not should assume twice. “I might help the workforce with my dribbling and my velocity,” he says. In the previous couple of video games, the 1.90 meter man was in a position to let off steam on the entrance. Initially, fellow striker Omar Marmoush additionally discovered himself at Ekitiké’s facet. Sole striker, duo or perhaps a trio: Ekitiké would not care. “I can adapt,” he says. “I play what the coach expects of me.”
Toppmöller expects what the Frankfurt supporters additionally hope for: objectives. Randal Kolo Muani as soon as scored it reliably and exactly. Ekitiké shares a want with Kolo Muani to be on the ball for the Equipe Tricolore. Ekitiké someday within the French nationwide workforce? “I’ve the dream of taking part in for France,” says the Frankfurt striker, who will flip 22 on June twentieth. “But it’s a great distance away.”
For now, Ekitiké should make do with taking part in from a distance. “Of course I’ll watch the European Championships on TV after I’m on vacation.” He has time for that. Ekitiké believes “we need to relaxation”. Before that, nonetheless, the sixth place within the desk, which has been maintained since Christmas, ought to be secured. Anything else can be a disappointment.