Eintracht Frankfurt’s hierarchy have acted decisively after a dismal start to the new year, bringing Dino Toppmöller’s reign as head coach to an abrupt end following mounting defensive concerns and poor results.

The Bundesliga side confirmed on Sunday that Toppmöller had been dismissed with immediate effect, less than 48 hours after a frustrating 3-3 draw away to Werder Bremen. That result left Frankfurt with just two points from their opening three league matches of the calendar year, during which they conceded nine goals.

A crisis meeting involving senior club figures, including sporting director Markus Krösche, reportedly took place on Saturday as pressure intensified. Frankfurt currently boast the Bundesliga’s second-worst defensive record, having shipped 39 goals in 18 matches – a tally more in keeping with relegation contenders than a side with European ambitions.

U21 coach Dennis Schmitt and U19 coach Alexander Meier will take interim charge of the first team, with Schmitt assuming the lead role. The duo will oversee preparations for Wednesday’s Champions League trip to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag Agdam.

“Dennis Schmitt and Alexander Meier are ready to take responsibility for Eintracht Frankfurt in this challenging situation,” Krösche said. “This gives us the necessary time to identify a long-term solution for the head coach position.”

Despite the decision, Krösche paid tribute to the departing coach, praising his “expertise, professionalism, meticulous approach, and his close relationship with the team.” However, he acknowledged that change had become unavoidable.

“Given the recent downward trend, we have concluded that the team needs a new sporting impulse,” he added. “So far this season, we have not lived up to our ambition of playing dynamic, aggressive and compact football.”

Frankfurt’s form has deteriorated sharply, with just one win from their last nine competitive matches across all competitions. The club have already exited the German Cup in the second round, while their Champions League campaign is also at risk of ending as early as January.

Toppmöller, who took charge in July 2023 after replacing Oliver Glasner, expressed his disappointment but accepted the club’s decision.

“I would have loved to continue working with this team and facing the challenges ahead,” he said. “But I accept the decision. It’s a shame we won’t be continuing together.”

After guiding Frankfurt to sixth place in his debut season and then to a historic third-place finish that secured their first-ever Champions League qualification, Toppmöller began the current campaign strongly. However, a dramatic downturn in performances and results ultimately proved decisive, bringing his tenure to a premature conclusion.