(foto: Getty Images)
Albert Riera hit back at Lothar Matthäus after the German icon questioned his future at Eintracht Frankfurt before a crucial Bundesliga showdown.
Albert Riera continues to dominate headlines in Germany with another fiery press conference ahead of Eintracht Frankfurt’s decisive Bundesliga clash against Stuttgart.
The former Celje coach responded directly to criticism from German football icon Lothar Matthäus, who recently suggested that Frankfurt should hand the team to somebody else before the final round of the season.
Matthäus, a former Ballon d’Or winner, world champion, European champion, and seven-time Bundesliga winner, questioned whether Riera still has control of the dressing room after recent performances.
The Spaniard did not hold back in his response.
"He can come here tomorrow and take over my job. It's easy to talk about this."
Riera then pointed toward the microphone in front of him before continuing.
"See how he looks at you? I didn't think about it for half a second. I only have Stuttgart in my head. And the fans who will be with us. That's all I have in my head - and three points. Then I have a fantastic summer ahead of me."
The exchange has added even more tension ahead of today’s crucial Bundesliga fixture, which kicks off at 15:30.
Stuttgart arrive highly motivated as they chase fourth place and qualification for next season’s Champions League. Hoffenheim, currently fifth, sit level on points with Stuttgart, making the final round extremely important.
Meanwhile, questions continue surrounding Riera’s long-term future at Frankfurt. Matthäus argued that the coach appears to have lost the dressing room and warned that major changes would be needed if the partnership continues into next season.
Whether Riera stays or leaves after the summer remains unclear, but one thing is certain, the Spaniard continues to bring drama, confidence, and headlines wherever he goes.