Michael Langer has extended his soon-to-be-expiring contract until 30th June 2021. In an interview with schalke04.com, the Royal Blues goalkeeper talks about his extension, his role in the team, the mid-season goalkeeper switch and funding team dinners with friendly competition.

In Dion Beljo and Arne Engels, head coach Maaßen handed FCA debuts to two new arrivals. Fellow new singings David Čolina, Kelvin Yeboah and Irvin Cardona were named on the bench, while Niklas Dorsch was named in the matchday squad for the first time this season as he returned from a long injury break.

His absence will be most keenly felt by the back-line, his regular partners in distribution and early build-up. At his pre-game press conference, center-back Matthijs de Ligt commented on Neuer’s recent injury omission and deputy Sven Ulreich’s turn at the plate.

Patrick Baier has been part of the coaching team since 2009 and is the longest-serving assistant coach in the Bundesliga.

Sandro Schwarz set up the team in a 4-2-3-1 formation in Ludwigsfelde. Tjark Ernst took his place in goal, while Derry Scherhant also started. Stevan Jovetić, Jessic Ngankam, Dodi Lukébakio, Jonjoe Kenny, Jean-Paul Boëtius (muscular problems), Myziane Maolida, Prince Boateng (knee problems) as well as Maximilian Mittelstädt and Marvin Plattenhardt (adductor problems) missed the game due to injury.

The substitutes: Pentke, Bičakčić, Dabbur, Stiller, Rudy, Becker, Akpoguma, Kramarić, Tohumcu

Press conference ahead of the game in Dortmund

Many expected Mainz’s game against Union on Sunday to be a closely fought contest. The 25,000 fans inside the MEWA ARENA, however, were possibly surprised to have witnessed a very attritional affair, with very little space to play in and it can be said that neither side gave each other an inch. Especially before the break, the game was a gritty, desultory affair with little action in front of goal. “It was a very even first half,” said Martin Schmidt, who didn’t want to commit himself to talking about the “level” of performance after the game. “It was more about the heat level,” explained the Swiss.

VfB visit Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday afternoon in the 100th Bundesliga meeting between the two teams (kick-off 15:30 CET).