KOVAC FULLY FOCUSED ON EINTRACHT

FRANKFURT: Eintracht Frankfurt coach Niko Kovac says he has not read a single story in the media about his impending move to Bayern Munich and is concentrating fully on tonight’s German Cup semi-final with Schalke.

If Frankfurt reach their second German Cup final in a row, having lost to Borussia Dortmund last season, Kovac’s current side could meet his future employers with Bayern having visited Bayer Leverkusen in the other semi last night.

“I think you’ll understand me when I say that I’m concentrating on tomorrow. That’s what I’m judged on,” he told a news conference yesterday ahead of the game at Schalke.

Asked if he was particularly stressed by the debate in the media over his decision to join the German champions in July on a three-year deal, Kovac added: “I really read very little, I have also read nothing about this topic.

“The sole focus is on tomorrow’s game and the next few weeks.”

After it was announced last week that the 46-yearold former Croatia coach would succeed the retiring Jupp Heynckes at Bayern, Frankfurt lost 4-1 at Leverkusen in the Bundesliga at the weekend.

Kovac denied that his move was affecting team morale.

“The team is physically in very good condition, there is no doubt about it,” he said.

Frankfurt will be without attacker Ante Rebic because of a leg muscle injury so Luka Jovic could go upfront with Kevin-Prince Boateng returning to midfield.

Spanish midfielder Omar Mascarell, who suffered a hairline fracture of the foot in February, could make his comeback.

“Omar has made pretty good progress the last two or three days. If he is pain-free, that’s an alternative. Special situations require special measures,” added Kovac. – dpa