Overview
- Frankfurt were knocked out of the DFB-Pokal by Borussia Dortmund after a 1-1 draw and a 4-2 shootout, but board spokesman Alex Hellmann praised it as the best display in a long time and demanded that level weekly.
- Toppmöller said he will speak with players who logged 120 minutes to decide on rotation for Saturday at Heidenheim, with Rasmus Kristensen and Jonathan Burkardt among those monitored closely.
- Farès Chaibi is treated as a locked-in starter after a strong upturn in form, as the staff weigh system choices to maintain recent defensive stability.
- The coach signaled he wants a side that controls possession and transitions quickly, while cautioning that the 17th‑placed FCH will make the match difficult.
- Heidenheim’s Frank Schmidt labeled his team clear underdogs, urged more courage and decisiveness, and said he expects Omar Traoré and Luca Kerber to be available.