Robin Koch 'surpassing' expectations with Eintracht Frankfurt after Leeds United relegation critics — Leeds Live 20/10/23
The Leeds United centre-back is on a season-long loan with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt
It's been a mixed bag of results for Leeds United's loan
contingent but one player who's impressed at his new club is Robin Koch. The
German centre-back showed moments of quality during his time at Elland Road but
inconsistency was his major downfall.
A loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt and back to his native
country has given the 27-year-old an opportunity to stake his claim in
Germany's Euro 2024 squad. A call-up to the senior side may not yet have
arrived but a goal, an assist and one of the sternest defences in will give
national team boss Julian Nagelsmann a decision to make.
Koch has shown all the credentials to become captain of the
Budesliga side according to Christopher Michel, Eintracht Frankfurt reporter
for German publication Sport1.
LeedsLive spoke with Michel for an insight into how Koch's
loan spell has gone so far and whether a move to Frankfurt could be a
possibility come the end of the season.
What did the fans think when he arrived?
Christopher Michel: "Most of the fans welcomed Robin
Koch with open arms. There were, of course, critics who also chalked up Leeds'
relegation to him.
"But overall, Eintracht fans have spoken very
positively about Koch. They remember him above all from his time at Freiburg,
where they were able to see him more often."
How has he developed since his arrival?
CM: "I expected a lot from Robin Koch, but he has
surpassed that. Koch is a good player and an even better guy. Humorous, clear
in his statements, with a healthy self-confidence.
"He is the head of defence of Eintracht Frankfurt. Koch
kept his word with that, he wanted to manage. It's hard to imagine the team
without him. Personally, I even see him as a player who can captain Eintracht
Frankfurt in the future."
Has Eintracht Frankfurt boss Dino Toppmöller said anything
about him in particular?
CM: "Dino Toppmöller doesn't like to talk about
individual players. However, he always praises his strong defence with Willian
Pacho, Tuta and Robin Koch.
"Toppmöller knows exactly what he has in this player.
Koch is an important building block for success."
What position has he been used in?
CM: "Koch is a regular player, he has not missed one of
the total 1,080 minutes of play. He had slight injury problems during the
preparation, but they have passed.
"Eintracht Frankfurt plays with a three-man backline
and Robin Koch acts as the last man."
Do you think that the loan could become a permanent one at
the end of the season?
CM: "Eintracht wants Robin Koch and Robin Koch feels
very comfortable in Frankfurt. There is a lot of evidence pointing to a
permanent transfer.
"His contract at Leeds United expires in the summer,
then he is a "free agent". Player and club should find a
solution."
Do you think it was the right decision to leave Leeds to try
to return to the German national team?
CM: "The chances to offer himself for the national team
in Frankfurt are of course higher. Mario Götze also made his way back to the
national team via Eintracht.