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One more chance to get the pulses racing, leave it all on the line, and finish on a high. The final game of the season, the Rhine-Main derby between 1. FSV Mainz 05 and Eintracht Frankfurt will see the Zerofivers bid farewell to the fans at the MEWA ARENA and go into the summer break off the back of a solid 2021/22 campaign.
“We’ve got one more game in front of our home crowd, and a few players will be making their final appearances in the red and white shirt. We want to play some good football, without worrying about the final makeup of the table,” said Bo Svensson in his press conference on Thursday afternoon. There is only one player guaranteed to be in the starting lineup, reported the head coach.
A best finish for six years
With a win on Saturday, FSV will increase the amount of points they have collected at home to a massive 37 points from a possible 51! It would be a memorable goal to achieve in front of a full house, and Svensson reflected that sentiment whilst putting one target above all others: “Yes, we want to end the season with a win, of course, but the main thing is that Mainz 05 put in another top performance and put our stamp on the game,” said the head coach, whose side have been victorious in their last two matches against FC Bayern München and Hertha BSC. Svensson had another wish ahead of the final game this season. “We hope people recognise that this has been a really fantastic season.” With 33 games of 34 gone, the Zerofivers are guaranteed to finish in a top-half league position this season for the first time since the 2015/16 campaign.
We hope people recognise that this has been a really fantastic season
Brosinski guaranteed to play
The fact that the Eagles are making the short trip to Mainz for the final game of the season before heading to Sevilla to face Rangers FC in the UEFA Europa League final could mean some “extra incentive” for both sides, says the coach. “Frankfurt have made some real waves in Europe this season and can win the title next week,” Svensson praised his upcoming opponents’ European exploits, which have included knockout wins against Real Betis, West Ham United and Barcelona. The fact that next Wednesday’s final will play on the focus of the Eintracht team is something Svensson recognises, but it will not have any bearing on his team’s preparations.
Some players will be making their last appearances before saying their goodbyes this weekend, and will be sure to make appearances. Jeremiah St. Juste is moving to Portugal to join Sporting CP this summer, as was announced on Wednesday. Alongside him, Daniel Brosinski will also make his final appearance for the club, after a full eight years, as Svensson announced on Thursday. The 33-year-old veteran has played a total of 203 times, and is guaranteed to make his 204th and final Zerofivers appearance from the start against Eintracht. “I can promise that Brosi will play from the start on Tuesday. Just after I hung up my boots, Brosi arrived and I was assistant manager – I can still remember our first conversation very well. Eight years and over 200 games later, he’s the highest assist-makes for Mainz 05 in the Bundesliga,” Svensson gushed, praising the importance of the full-back.
I can promise that Brosi will play from the start on Tuesday.
“He’s earned the chance to play and see the fans one final time. He’s one of the most important and biggest players of this club’s era.” There will be a lot of emotion guaranteed both off and on the pitch this weekend.
