Burkardt Reflects on Bundesliga Comeback with Mixed Emotions

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Forward Discusses His Return

Eintracht Frankfurt’s striker Jonathan Burkardt shared his thoughts on the complex emotions surrounding his eagerly awaited return to Bundesliga action this past Saturday. Under the guidance of newly appointed head coach Albert Riera, Eintracht will be looking for Burkardt to perform at his best if they hope to secure a spot in the European competitions. In his first appearance since late November, Burkardt’s performance was a blend of highs and lows.

Leading Scorer Despite Absence

Although missing out on 12 Bundesliga matches, the five-time capped German international still holds the team’s top position for goals scored in the league. Prior to his penalty conversion during the weekend’s match against Bayern Munich, Burkardt had already netted eight goals, making him the highest scorer for Eintracht. In contrast, Can Uzun, who is once again sidelined due to injury, tallied five of his six league goals within the first five games of the season.

Positive Signs Amid Challenges

In a somewhat encouraging development for Eintracht, both Burkardt and Kalimuendo managed to come off the bench and score. Burkardt added to his tally, securing his ninth goal of the 2025/26 season with a penalty in the 77th minute. However, it wasn’t without a significant miss earlier on; shortly after being substituted in at the hour mark, Burkardt hit the post in the 62nd minute, missing a crucial scoring opportunity.

Burkardt’s Reflections on His Performance

“Yes, that hurts,” Burkardt expressed to Sky Germany while reflecting on his missed chance during a post-match interview. “It was still enjoyable to be back on the field, and I’m pleased to have made that important step. I believe we performed well in the second half, even if we probably deserved to lose. We were close and could have snatched a draw.”

Insights on the New Coaching Approach

When asked about the impact of the new coaching staff, Burkardt remarked, “I think it’s clear that our style of play is effective against various opponents when we commit to it. This realization was key today. We entered the match too late, but there are numerous positives to take from this. It’s evident that progress has been made in the initial weeks.”