Daum aims for Bundesliga survival

New Eintracht Frankfurt coach Christoph Daum is targeting Bundesliga survival, beginning with Sunday’s match away to Wolfsburg.

Daum, who took over at the Commerzbank-Arena on March 22, arrives with the team struggling in 14th on the table, just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Wolfsburg are four points worse off in 17th place, meaning the outcome of Sunday’s clash could go some way to determining which of the two teams will stay in the top flight next season.

“I believe that we can stay in the first league with this team and that is what is most important right now,” Daum said.

“With a little bit of change in attitude … we can set an example as early as in the match against Wolfsburg. That is what counts.”

Upon accepting the job, Daum claimed that he was ‘a concept coach, not a fire-fighter’ and insisted he had been hired with next season’s Bundesliga campaign in mind.

But the 57-year-old has been forced to backtrack, acknowledging that the remaining matches of the season must be the priority.

“What happens in the future, what will be possible next year – that is the second step,” he said.

“We first have to battle through the current situation and can’t talk about what will be possible with this team.”

“I want to stay in the first league – my point of view is only directed at the next seven games, that is what I am looking at.”

“Afterwards we can talk about whatever you want and about the future.”

“But our future is going to be decided in Wolfsburg, at home against Bremen, in Hoffenheim, that is where our future is decided and not within any declarations for next season.”