Eintracht Frankfurt brings back Adi Hütter as head coach on a three-year deal, five years after his first spell ended

Eintracht Frankfurt has reappointed Adi Hütter as its head coach, marking the Austrian's return to the Bundesliga club five years after his first tenure ended. The 56-year-old signed a three-year contract that runs until the summer of 2029, the club confirmed on Sunday. He succeeds Albert Riera, who left by mutual agreement after a short and turbulent spell in charge that saw Frankfurt finish eighth in the Bundesliga and miss out on European qualification for the first time in six years.

An emotional homecoming

Hütter's return is framed by both the club and the coach as a reunion with unfinished business. He first managed Eintracht Frankfurt from 2018 to 2021, a period during which he guided the team to the semi-finals of the Europa League in 2019 and the semi-finals of the DFB-Pokal in 2020. The club finished fifth in the Bundesliga in the spring of 2021, his final season before departing for Borussia Mönchengladbach.

For me it's very special and emotional to be coach at Eintracht again. The time we had together in Frankfurt left a big impression on me and has always stayed with me. Looking back, I always had the feeling of having unfinished business.

The path back to Frankfurt

After leaving Frankfurt in 2021, Hütter had a stint at Borussia Mönchengladbach before taking over at AS Monaco in July 2023. In the French league, he led the principality club to second- and third-place finishes and twice qualified for the Champions League. However, a poor start to the following season led to his dismissal on 10 October 2025. He had been without a club since then.

Before his first spell in Frankfurt, Hütter built his reputation with a league and cup double at Red Bull Salzburg and a Swiss league title with Young Boys Bern in 2018.

The club's vision

Sporting director Markus Krösche outlined the qualities that made Hütter the chosen candidate to revive the team's fortunes. The club leadership emphasised his tactical identity and familiarity with the environment as key assets.

Adi Hütter stands for brave attacking football, clarity and discipline. He's shown in his career that he can combine fast-paced transitional play with possession. After very good talks, we are convinced that we can advance Eintracht together.

Krösche also noted that Hütter's knowledge of the club's structures, environment, and people means he will not need a settling-in period.

What comes next

Hütter will be supported by assistant coaches Christian Peintinger and Klaus Schmidt, while Jan Zimmermann remains responsible for the goalkeepers. The new coach takes over a side that finished eighth last season, just outside the European places, and will be expected to restore the club to continental competition. The appointment also reunites Hütter with Swiss international Aurèle Amenda.