Eintracht Frankfurt loses dress rehearsal against Brentford 0:7

Koch forced off with a knock

At the back, Frankfurt revealed serious coordination problems. The defensive line looked more confused than last season, passes into the channels were not cut out, and set pieces repeatedly invited the hosts to create chances. Spaces kept opening up, which Brentford's attack exploited ruthlessly.

A blunder by goalkeeper Kaua Santos also caused a stir; he failed to control an otherwise harmless ball, reigniting the debate over the No. 1 spot. Coach Toppmöller had recently rotated between Kevin Trapp and the Brazilian as first choice; after this display, the debate is likely to pick up pace again.

Goalkeeper debate reignited

Going forward, Frankfurt remained largely harmless for long stretches. Against the intense pressing game of the London side, playing under new coach Adi Hütter, Frankfurt found no answer. Igor Thiago, who leads Brentford's line up front, was one of the most prominent players on the pitch alongside midfield engine Mamadou Sangare.

New Brentford coach Adi Hütter, only recently appointed, could take pleasure in a successful debut against a Bundesliga opponent. His team combined quickly, shifted cleverly and finished off the spaces that opened up with ice-cold efficiency. The 0:7 result also serves as an impressive calling card for Hütter's playing philosophy.

Hütter enjoys successful debut against Bundesliga club

For Eintracht, who at times last season had enormous problems at the back, the dress rehearsal on the eve of the Bundesliga opener is a bitter blow. Those in charge had been hoping for stability and confidence; instead, the team delivered a performance that raises plenty of questions.

The Bundesliga kicks off a new season as early as next weekend. What personnel and tactical consequences Toppmöller draws from this debacle will likely be decided over the coming days. One thing is clear: the defense and the goalkeeper position are the most pressing issues ahead of the league opener.