Svensson ahead of Bochum: “We will be ready”

The fact that Mainz 05 only have three days to review the bitter last-minute defeat against Borussia Dortmund comes just at the right time for Bo Svensson. As hard as it was to come out of the game empty handed after the strong second half, the focus now turns towards the first game of the second half of the season. “There’s no time to get caught up about it,” said the head coach of Mainz at the press conference ahead of the match on Saturday (15:30 CET) against VfL Bochum.

FSV want to look at the positives, especially in the second 45 minutes against BVB. The Zerofivers were better in the attacking department than the Champions League side and missed several chances. Svensson and his team are working on this aspect. “We frequently get behind the back line of our opponents, but at times the last pass is missing, at others accuracy or decision making isn’t good enough,” said the Dane. “But at Mainz 05 we have to be able to deal with the fact that not everything always works out.”

Intense and physical on both sides

The position of both teams in the table makes it clear that the meeting is an important game. Bochum are in the relegation zone with 16 points and have gained a lot of confidence under new manager Thomas Letsch. With a win, the Zerofivers could create some distance between them and the teams below, but with Mainz there is no guaranteed result, but just a guaranteed performance. “Our focus is to bring our own style of play onto the pitch.”

VfL, like the Zerofivers, prefer an intense, physical game, and Letsch always gives them a clear plan. Bochum like to use striker Philipp Hofmann, who is hard to defend, as a target man, or get forward through their fast wingers. The task ahead for the FSV players is no easy one. “But when we achieve our potential, it’s not easy against us either,” said Svensson, who expects an aggressive Bundesliga match, “it will be hard, intense, tight. But that’s the Bundesliga.”

Finding the best combination on the pitch

No absences are expected in the FSV squad following the game on Wednesday, on the contrary Dominik Kohr returns after his yellow card suspension. Finn Dahmen will again take Robin Zentner’s place in goal on Saturday. Otherwise, Svensson and his coaching team are looking for the best combination, “also in terms of keeping things fresh.” “We need the best mix of players, skills and strengths that complement one another.” The Mainz head coach sees Anton Stach and Ludovic Ajorque, who livened up the game against BVB after being subbed on, as possibilities for the starting eleven.

“We will be ready”

The scene is set for a decisive game between two teams with an intense style of play, both of whom are looking to pick up their first points of the second half of the season. “We will be ready,” said Svensson.

The fact that Mainz 05 only have three days to review the bitter last-minute defeat against Borussia Dortmund comes just at the right time for Bo Svensson. As hard as it was to come out of the game empty handed after the strong second half, the focus now turns towards the first game of the second half of the season. “There’s no time to get caught up about it,” said the head coach of Mainz at the press conference ahead of the match on Saturday (15:30 CET) against VfL Bochum.

FSV want to look at the positives, especially in the second 45 minutes against BVB. The Zerofivers were better in the attacking department than the Champions League side and missed several chances. Svensson and his team are working on this aspect. “We frequently get behind the back line of our opponents, but at times the last pass is missing, at others accuracy or decision making isn’t good enough,” said the Dane. “But at Mainz 05 we have to be able to deal with the fact that not everything always works out.”

Intense and physical on both sides

The position of both teams in the table makes it clear that the meeting is an important game. Bochum are in the relegation zone with 16 points and have gained a lot of confidence under new manager Thomas Letsch. With a win, the Zerofivers could create some distance between them and the teams below, but with Mainz there is no guaranteed result, but just a guaranteed performance. “Our focus is to bring our own style of play onto the pitch.”

VfL, like the Zerofivers, prefer an intense, physical game, and Letsch always gives them a clear plan. Bochum like to use striker Philipp Hofmann, who is hard to defend, as a target man, or get forward through their fast wingers. The task ahead for the FSV players is no easy one. “But when we achieve our potential, it’s not easy against us either,” said Svensson, who expects an aggressive Bundesliga match, “it will be hard, intense, tight. But that’s the Bundesliga.”

Finding the best combination on the pitch

No absences are expected in the FSV squad following the game on Wednesday, on the contrary Dominik Kohr returns after his yellow card suspension. Finn Dahmen will again take Robin Zentner’s place in goal on Saturday. Otherwise, Svensson and his coaching team are looking for the best combination, “also in terms of keeping things fresh.” “We need the best mix of players, skills and strengths that complement one another.” The Mainz head coach sees Anton Stach and Ludovic Ajorque, who livened up the game against BVB after being subbed on, as possibilities for the starting eleven.

“We will be ready”

The scene is set for a decisive game between two teams with an intense style of play, both of whom are looking to pick up their first points of the second half of the season. “We will be ready,” said Svensson.