Robin Koch will remain Eintracht Frankfurt captain under new head coach Adi Hütter despite a difficult 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign for both the defender and his club. Speaking to Kicker, Hütter confirmed that he sees no reason to change the leadership structure inherited from his predecessor. Jonathan Burkardt represented the most obvious alternative, but Koch will retain the armband as Frankfurt attempt to recover from a disappointing season.
The decision continues a leadership role Koch had already begun assuming before becoming permanent captain. The German international regularly deputised for Kevin Trapp during the 2024/25 campaign, including during Frankfurt’s Europa League run. His future was briefly uncertain that spring. Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen showed interest while Champions League qualification remained unresolved, but Koch ultimately elected to remain in Frankfurt and agree a new long-term contract.
Frankfurt formally appointed Koch captain in August 2025 following Trapp’s move to Paris FC. Koch acknowledges that neither he nor Frankfurt defended to the required standard last season but rejects the suggestion that wearing the armband negatively affected his performances.
Adi Hütter and Robin Koch satisfied with arrangement
“I wouldn’t know why I should change it,” Hütter told Kicker. “He’s an experienced player who knows himself that last season wasn’t a good one. But I’m not here to judge that.”
“Robin has presented himself really, really well,” Hütter continued. “He isn’t the biggest loudmouth, but he’s still a leader for the team.”
“Being captain of Eintracht Frankfurt is a huge honor,” Koch recently told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. “I’m absolutely ready to carry on.”
