“It doesn’t get better” | OneFootball

Kevin Trapp talks the Super Cup, opponents Real, the value of experience from last season and why he’s glad in hindsight about finishing fifth in 2020/21.

Kevin, the first European highlight of the season is already round the corner with the UEFA Super Cup. What are the indications that you can back up last season’s consistency in Europe? “It’s in our DNA that we can cause problems for any opponents. As Eintracht Frankfurt we want to be a team who are awkward to play against, who fight and never give up. They’re the basic values that we’ve internalised. We’ll maintain this mentality and the belief that we can beat the big teams. Of course we have respect, but not fear.”

How are you preparing for the challenge against Real Madrid? “When you’ve got the chance to play in a competitive match against a team like this, who have won the [European] Cup 14 times, there’s nothing but delight. Playing in the Super Cup means you’ve been successful, earned it and done a good job. To have the opportunity at this stage of the season to win a trophy against this club – it doesn’t get better. We’re nevertheless well aware that it will be hugely difficult. But as I said, we believe we’re capable of not just troubling such teams but also beating them. That’s the attitude we’ll take into the match.”

What part do you think Eintracht can play in Europe this season? “I have to go back a bit here: when we failed to qualify for the Champions League two years ago, we were all disappointed and sad. However, if we’d succeeded, we wouldn’t have had those experiences with the Europa League title in May. What’s more, we would’ve played the first half of our first Champions League season without spectators. So, in hindsight, it worked out perfectly. We had this fantastic crowd, who carried us from win to win and turned Barcelona into a home match. There’s never been anything like that before and probably never will be. I don't think any home club will let that happen again after what happened at Camp Nou (laughs). Our fans will also play an important role in the future – especially as we’ve certainly been able to inspire even more supporters through our performances and the interaction between team and fans. We’ve proven what’s possible when you stand together as a team and experience the support from the stands. I’m sure that we’re an example to many in this respect.”