Albert Riera, the 43-year-old Spanish coach who was a highly sought-after candidate for Dinamo Zagreb, has officially made his coaching debut in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt. In his first match, Frankfurt played to a 1-1 draw against Union Berlin, with both goals coming in the latter stages of the game. Riera’s team initially took the lead through a goal by Brown in the 84th minute but conceded an equalizer just three minutes later when Querfeld converted a penalty kick.

Riera previously found success coaching in Slovenia, particularly with Olimpija, where he achieved a domestic double in the 2022/23 season. He later managed Celje, leading them to victory in the national cup and an impressive run to the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, as well as maintaining a commanding lead in the Slovenian league. His success in Slovenia established him as a prominent figure in European coaching circuits, making his subsequent move to Bundesliga a noteworthy progression in his career.

Despite the interest from Dinamo Zagreb and Red Star Belgrade, Riera ultimately accepted the position at Eintracht Frankfurt, indicating the club’s reputation and potential might have played a crucial role in his decision. This debut not only marks a significant achievement for Riera but also highlights the increasing trend of clubs looking beyond their borders for managerial talent, as they strive to strengthen their squads in competitive leagues.