“It was very Eintracht-like” | OneFootball

Board member for sport Markus Krösche, head coach Dino Toppmöller, Makoto Hasebe and Sebastian Rode reflect on the 2-2 draw with Leipzig on the final day.

Board member for sport Markus Krösche: “It’s a big relief to have [clinched sixth place] all on our own. We gave our all and earned ourselves a 2-2 draw. We secured sixth place with determination and passion. We have our issues and are self-critical enough to realise not everything is rosy. At the end of the day, though, the table doesn’t lie. Hase and Seppl have given everything in their careers, it really is an extraordinary achievement.”

Head coach Dino Toppmöller: “In the end, sixth place is well deserved and a fitting end – we can bid farewell to Makoto and Sebastian with a sixth-place finish. We gave them what they deserve. I’m going to miss them. I’m very thankful I was able to work with them for a year, at least.”

Sebastian Rode: “I’d have preferred a quieter afternoon, but it was obviously very Eintracht-like to have to battle, sweat and fight until the very end. I’m unbelievably grateful to have been back on the pitch one last time. Everything else after that was sensational – thank you to the fans, I’m not going to forget that for the rest of my life.”

Makoto Hasebe: “The atmosphere in the stadium after the game was wonderful with team-mates, staff and everyone else. I’m unbelievably proud of my career, but also of my team-mates, the staff – everybody! We knew Hoffenheim were 4-2 up, so we simply had to hold on to the 2-2 draw. That’s what I told my team-mates, and I’m delighted we managed it.”