FSV had to settle for a goalless draw for the second time this season after their clash with VfB Stuttgart on Saturday. It was a mixed afternoon for The Zerofivers, who had a quiet first half, in which they created few opportunities. They did, however, have a much better second half, but Jonny Burkardt and co. failed to keep their cool in front of goal on multiple occasions and the game finished 0-0. “We were spurred on by the fans in the second half and you had the feeling that it was just a matter of time before we scored,” said Robin Zentner after the game.
Reaction from MEWA ARENA:
Mixed feelings
Martin Schmidt: “We didn’t use the ball well enough in the first half and we didn’t execute our plan. After the break, we got into some good areas and had multiple chances. However, we lacked composure in front of goal and we weren’t convincing enough to win the game. We could’ve come away with more today but we will take the point. There are still some positives to take, such as the return of Niklas Tauer after a long absence. We also didn’t allow our opponents to do much, which was good. On the other hand, we didn’t take our chances and I think that we will find our game again in the next few games.”
Stefan Bell: “I don’t think it was a very attractive game of football in the first half. It was bitty, tight and there were lots of silly errors. We didn’t get into the swing of things and we made simple mistakes. At some point in the game we played much simpler football so it wasn’t very attractive before half time. You could see where it was challenging for us, namely when we tried to find the intensity without the ball. We collectively stepped it up a gear after the break. We played really well in the second half and we closed the ball down really well. We made two or three wrong decisions at the top of the pitch and we could’ve won it from the amount of chances we had. A positive, however, is that we transitioned really well. The fact that we are safe with four games to go is a blessing and we should value that.”
Niklas Tauer: “I know the game really well so even if I have to play in an unfamiliar position, everything is alright. All experience in the Bundesliga is good experience. I feel I can be more courageous and add a bit more.”
Robin Zentner: “We often ask ourselves why it doesn’t quite click in the first half. Everything was set for a great game of football today. It was a home game with a great atmosphere and we were really looking forward to it. However, we didn’t come into the game with the intensity that we had planned. We were often quite hesitant but we put it right in the second half. We were spurred on by the fans and you had the feeling that it was just a matter of time before we scored. It was a respectable performance and we kept a clean sheet. However, we always go into home games with the intention of winning.”