Fully switched on from the first whistle

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31 May 2023, 18:15 yayınlandı

Mainz are travelling to the capital to face Union Berlin on Saturday (4th February, 15:30 CET) for their fifth match in a fortnight. Bo Svensson, who spoke to the media on Friday afternoon, is in no doubt that his side can give it 100% against Union despite being in cup action in midweek. The Dane, however, is fully aware that his side need to improve on the performance they showed against FC Bayern on Wednesday. “We’ve lacked consistency at times this season. The first half against Bayern was unacceptable,” said the boss on Friday afternoon. Svensson also emphasised that every member of the group has to take responsibility.

The opening ten minutes of the game against Bayern set the tone for the rest of the evening. The Mainz players didn’t execute the plan of pressing high and they sat too deep, according to the head coach. “It was too late before the players and I realised that we didn’t need to go into our shell and sit too deeply and we should’ve defended more from the front,” said the boss. “We lacked the necessary conviction in the opening stages that you need against a side of Bayern’s quality. It’s always important to get the momentum going at the start of a game and we didn’t manage to do that.” Mainz, who had a three goal deficit to overturn after the break, played much better in the second half and managed to create some good opportunities. This will be the requirement at the weekend if FSV are to leave the capital city with three points.

We lacked the necessary conviction in the opening stages

A big challenge against a quality Union side

It will certainly be a tough test at the weekend against an Union side who haven’t lost at home in the league this season (WD, D2). Urs Fischer’s side are currently riding the crest of a wave. They have won all three of their Bundesliga games since the winter break and recently booked their place in the quarterfinal of the DFB-Pokal after a 2-1 win over Wolfsburg.

“Union are a top side and they’ve had a great season so far. They have a clear way of playing and it won’t be an easy task. They deserve to be up there in the table and we are looking forward to the challenge. Although it wasn’t a classic, we showed in the reverse fixture that we can cause them problems. We will need a disciplined performance tomorrow in order to get something from the game,” warned Svensson. The Dane also pointed out that although he knows what to expect from the Berliners, tomorrow’s task will still be a difficult one. “They are well-drilled, they have a clear identity and they know exactly what they need to do out on the pitch,” said the 43-year-old. Svensson and his coaching staff will be doing everything they can to make sure Mainz are switched on from the first minute at the Alten Försterei.

They are well-drilled and they have a clear identity

Silvan Widmer, who went off in the first half against Bayern, will miss out against Union at the weekend. Karim Onisiwo, Jae-Sung Lee and Stefan Bell will all be available for selection. Finn Dahmen, who has replaced the injured Robin Zentner between the sticks since the winter break, will once again start in goal. “Finn has done really well, which isn’t a surprise. He is totally reliable and I am delighted for him that he’s getting the chance to play,” said Svensson.