Ex-Liverpool and Man City player sacked as manager of Champions League club after just three months

Eintracht Frankfurt have sacked Albert Riera as manager after just three months in charge.

The German club has parted ways with their boss following the end of the Bundesliga season.

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Riera, who was appointed on a two-and-a-half-year deal in February, failed to secure European qualification for the club that started the season in the Champions League.

It is the first time since 2020 that Frankfurt have missed out on a continental campaign.

The 44-year-old won four of his 14 league matches in charge as well as drawing five and losing five.

Those results saw Frankfurt finish the season in eighth place, three points adrift of a European place.

Frankfurt statement

The Bundesliga club subsequently announced Riera’s departure on Sunday along with assistant managers Pablo Remon Arteta and Lorenzo Dolcetti.

In a post on X, the club said: “Eintracht Frankfurt and head coach Albert Riera, as well as assistant coaches Pablo Remon Arteta and Lorenzo Dolcetti, have mutually agreed, effective immediately, to end their collaboration.

“We wish all three the very best for their private and professional futures alike.”

Meanwhile, Riera also spoke to the club’s media channels following his exit.

The former Spain winger explained: “The club and I mutually agreed to end our collaboration.

“As coach, I take responsibility for the sporting results, and my sole focus during this time was on improving the team and making it successful.

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“I felt I had to protect the club and the players, and I would act the same way again in a heartbeat.

“I was convinced that this was necessary to keep the focus entirely on sporting success. Personal interests played no role for me.

“My goal was, is, and always will be the same: to develop the players and achieve success.

“I am grateful to have been part of Eintracht Frankfurt’s history and wish the club all the best for the future.”

Riera had failed to win any of Frankfurt’s last five matches as they ended the season with a 2-2 draw at home to Stuttgart on Saturday.

His side had climbed into the top seven between March and April but dropped out of European contention come the end of the season.

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Prior to his Frankfurt tenure, Riera had managed in both Slovenia and France since going into coaching.

As a player, he had spells with Manchester City, Liverpool and Watford as well as winning 16 caps for Spain.