FormerLiverpool star Albert Riera has surprisingly been appointed as Eintracht Frankfurt’s new manager after completing a move from Slovenia. Frankfurt were without a manager following the exit of Dino Toppmöller.

And they have surprisingly turned to Riera, who was most recently with Slovenian side Celje. Board member for sport Markus Krösche explained his appointment. He said: “In Albert Riera, we have deliberately decided on a coach who plays modern, intensive and attacking football.

“He has international experience, a clear playing philosophy and an equally clear approach in his day-to-day work with the team. In our talks, Albert impressed us with his extensive expertise and good communication.

“We have followed his progress for a long time and are confident that his abilities are a good fit for the demands of Eintracht Frankfurt in the current situation and in the future, and that he’s also an excellent fit for the club and our team on a personal level.”

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Riera, 43, made 56 appearances for Liverpool after being signed from Espanyol. He went on to play for Olympiacos, Galatasaray, Watford, Udinese and Mallorca.

After retiring in 2016, Riera embarked on a career in coaching, having been given his first role with Olimpija Ljubljana before a move to Celja, He was then appointed by French side Bordeaux but lasted less than a year before returning to his former club.

But he has now departed yet again having moved to Frankfurt, who have confirmed that Riera will oversee Celje’s clash with Maribor this weekend before finalising the switch. It has been reported that a deal for Riera’s signature is worth around €700k (£606m).

Speaking previously amid rumours over his future, Riera said: "I can assure you with 200% certainty that I will be the coach of Celje in the match against Maribor. I am preparing this match as if it were a final. For us, it is a final, because this match means more than just three points.

“I am happy in Celje and I always say that I will not run away from the club where I am happy. I will never walk up to the club and say - I want to leave. Out of love and respect for Celje. If I ever leave, it will happen for understandable reasons to everyone involved and in a way that will make everyone happy.

“I am convinced that the team is ready for the match against Maribor. After the last training in Mallorca, I told the team that they can play with their eyes closed. They are so ready. They are my happiness. They have my complete dedication and I owe it to them. Everyone, including me, must adhere to the same rules and discipline. I want and have to be an example for them.

“That is why my boys know that they can expect professionalism from me every day, just as I expect it from them. Today's training was done in a great atmosphere. In football, you have to prove yourself over and over again. The past is the past. Football is here and now.

“We want to enjoy our performance and the football that is our identity once again. I want to see the same desire, the same passion as always. We know how we will play and we know what we have to do to win."

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