The fact that Eintracht Frankfurt is currently so attractive and successful is mainly due to the fact that the Hessians have managed to develop access in midfield after a long time. The pass rates have increased significantly and generally the offensive path now leads through the midfield and no longer with a long ball beyond it, as was the case, for example, during the “Buffalo era”. The second most expensive new addition in the Frankfurt club’s history is symbolic of this change: Djibril Sow. The now 24-year-old Swiss was criticized for months in his early days and did not really meet the demands of those responsible or himself. This has changed now. Since around the middle of November he has been the undisputed regular player under Adi Hütter and convinces from week to week with strong mileage, robust duels and precise passes. The midfielder gave an interview to the sports magazine “kicker”.
To the old strength in a new position
Sow, according to himself, now sees himself at the level of performance that he had while he was playing in Bern. There, where he was already an important performer and guarantor of the Swiss championship under coach Adi Hütter. Now, in the current system of Eintracht, the 24-year-old plays a more defensive role than back then. Now he plays the role of the double six together with Makoto Hasebe. But no problem for him: “Working defensively is part of it, in this position anyway. And I think we’re doing well as a whole team. I too go robustly into the duels. The opponent should know that I’m there! ” However, Sow does not see himself as a classic clearer. He is not someone who identifies himself through slips or fouls, but anticipating game situations is his great strength. “I want to be on the ball before my opponent as much as possible so that I can immediately put an impulse forward. My goal is to make my contribution to the team as a box-to-box player on the whole field and in both penalty areas. ” A factor that can be proven, as Sow has mostly been among the five players who put the most kilometers on the pitch per game day.
In addition to speed, endurance and playful class, Sow is also characterized by self-reflection. “I have to finish more often in front of the opposing goal – I definitely have to improve that relationship. But there is always room for improvement in all matters anyway. ” But overall he was “Proud and happy”, how it is currently going. “I feel confirmed because I’ve always said: Frankfurt is the right club for me. It is not decisive how this is assessed from the outside, but that my teammates see me as an important part of the team. ”
“Chicken skin” when thinking about the Champions League in Frankfurt
The topic of Champions League qualification comes up quite organically if you look at the table position of Hessen at the moment. This is of course also present for the strong midfielder: “It would be comparable to a championship in Switzerland. I get chicken skin at the thought of what’s going on here in Frankfurt. In any case, we are on the right track. ” At the same time, however, Sow remains a realist. The teams that are now in similar regions to the SGE are probably not likely to use 100 percent of their capabilities. Otherwise it will “Difficult for us”. Sow, who was able to compete against the big players in the Champions League in 2018/2019, seems to be quite clear about what the level looks like there: “There is a completely different level there, especially when it comes to efficiency. When Cristiano Ronaldo, Dybala or Lukaku are in the box, you can’t afford to make the slightest mistake. That was very impressive. But I see the Eitnracht on a higher level than Bern back then. I think we could keep up! “
Learned from the past – fixated on the future
As mentioned at the beginning, it wasn’t always easy for Sow in his time at Eintracht. The reasons for this are complex. Injuries and a lack of self-confidence meant that he could not achieve his personal level of performance. Self-confidence was an issue: “Suddenly, things that are taken for granted no longer work and you don’t know why. Partly unbelievable. This shows what self-confidence is all about. But I learned from it to stay calm and keep working hard. Then it will work again at some point. “
One factor that should not be underestimated would be the experience of the older team members. “It’s good for everyone to have experienced co-workers, like Makoto Hasebe or Sebastian Rode. But I’m working on taking on a leader role too, in order to lead younger players. I have already done some of that in Bern. “
Then there would be one more dream that Sow would like to fulfill in the near future: The EM with Switzerland this year. The postponement caused by the corona virus could actually work to the advantage of the confederate: “Last year it would have been difficult to get playing time at the tournament without a lot of practice in the club. Now I am hoping that my dream will come true to show up for my country in such an event. And in the group with Italy, Turkey and Wales, I don’t see our team without a chance! “
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