Svensson: “It will be hectic, emotional and physical”

Mainz are travelling to Gelsenkirchen to face Schalke 04 on Wednesday evening (20:30 CET). At least 800 Zerofivers are making the trip to the VELTINS-Arena to support their team in what will be the final away game of the calendar year. Although the Royal Blues find themselves bottom of the table, Bo Svensson is fully aware of the tough test that awaits his side: “Tomorrow is an important game and it will be difficult. It will be hectic, emotional and physical. We’ll have to be mentally prepared for that and be ready for the challenge,” he explained. There are two more games remaining until the World Cup and the gaffer was keen to point out that there is still plenty of work to do: “We not only need to be in good spirits, we also need to pick up the three points. We want to be in good shape for the second half of the season,” said the Dane. Following the clash in Gelsenkirchen, Mainz are due to host rivals Eintracht Frankfurt at the MEWA ARENA on Sunday (15:30 CET).

A feeling of annoyance in the camp after Wolfsburg defeat

In Tuesday’s presser, Svensson also touched on the recent 3-0 home defeat to VfL Wolfsburg. Although it was a disappointing defeat, the gaffer explained that there are some positives that his side could take from the performance, such as their bright start to the game. “I know that sounds a bit strange based on the result but that is my clear opinion,” he said. The head coach went on to say that it is now a matter of taking these positives into the Schalke game and that his side need to build on the decent showing inside the first half an hour against Wolfsburg. “We didn’t reward ourselves during our best phase and we then went on to concede from Wolfsburg’s only chance of the first half. That’s just sometimes how it is in football.” Svensson also unsurprisingly pointed out that “we are a bit annoyed that we weren’t rewarded for the performance.”

We are a bit annoyed that we weren’t rewarded for the performance

Mainz haven’t won in Gelsenkirchen since 2011 and Svensson, who was in the starting XI for that game, believes that his side should not only focus on the present, but they should also remain level-headed. “Schalke haven’t had the easiest start to the season (6 points from 13 games). But it’s a very important game. Both sides know that,” he explained.

A new impetus at S04

Svensson was also full of compliments for the new head coach of Schalke 04, Thomas Reis, who replaced Frank Kramer at the end of October. “In Thomas Reis they have appointed someone who worked very successfully at VfL Bochum for a number of years.” Although Schalke lost 2-1 to Werder Bremen last time out, the Mainz head coach believes that Reis has already stamped his imprint on the team and that a “physical” test awaits his side on Wednesday.

“They play with at least one big striker and they have lots of quality in midfield. They can get it down and play with it if the opponents drop off or they can send long balls up to the striker. They have a few injuries at the back that they will do their best to compensate for,” assessed the 43-year-old.

Almost everyone available

The gaffer has the same players that he did for Wolfsburg at his disposal and only Maxim Leitsch and Marlon Mustapha are out. This is welcome news for the Dane, who’s side are coming to the end of their busy schedule.

We have one more day to regenerate before the second and third games

This is the second time in three weeks that Mainz have had three games in a week to deal with. Back in mid-October, FSV had games against Werder Bremen, VfB Lübeck and FC Köln inside six days. Svensson, however, looks at this in a positive light: “Last time we had three games inside six days, now we have three in eight days. We’re used to it and we have one more day to regenerate before the second and third games. This will make a difference,” explained the Dane. This means that the chances of fielding the same side three games in a row is a lot higher. “Whether we do that or not is a different matter. But the extra day of rest will make a huge difference.”

Ultimately, The Zerofivers are in good spirits and will be looking to end the calendar year on a high over the coming days.