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The supporters of 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the stands proved to understand the situation well and increased the already incredible atmosphere in this fast-paced, action-packed encounter, which reflected the occasion perfectly: when the referee disallowed FC Augsburg’s second goal, after a VAR check revealed scorer Fredrik Jensen to be in an offside position, the Mainz fans, most of whom in costume, began celebrating. Along with the songs of the Mainz carnival, loudly and passionately performed by thousands, FSV’s players secured an important and highly deserved 3-1 victory against a stubborn Augsburg side, celebrating a second home victory in a row and increasing their current points tally to 26 after 20 matches. It was enjoyed by everyone involved, especially as the performance of the Zerofivers once again reflected how highly this annual carnival game is regarded by the fans, the significance this occasion has and the reaction that the passion both in the stands and on the pitch can cause. When the two-time goal scorer Jae-Sung Lee finally celebrated the victory wearing a funny red hat with yellow flowers, bright yellow, artificial curls hanging down and sunglasses on his head, it was the picture of the day and the perfect afternoon in Mainz.
Bo Svensson’s reaction after the final whistle showed how important the win and team performance was for the head coach, after the unfortunate defeat a week ago against Union Berlin. “We are very happy that we won and we deserved it,” said the 43-year-old, more relaxed by now. “We tried to bring tempo to the game from the start and we were very active, this was important to us. We also handled them getting one back well and looked very stable. We gave them almost nothing in the game, but had to be strong throughout because Augsburg didn’t give up. I am very happy with my team’s performance, which was consistent over the entire course of the game. Today was another step forward for us,” said Svensson.
Discussion with the referee
“This is what the team needs: a week with clear processes, with a clear plan for the game. We’ve seen that when the basics are done right, when the pressing is right, when everything runs smoothly, we always win the ball and create chances. We scored three goals from this and won the game. It’s good for us to be able to prepare for a game when we have a plan for the week,” explained Martin Schmidt, who was very satisfied following the game. The Mainz sporting director had nothing to criticise about the team’s performance, but, as he said, would have been just a little more reassured if the team had been able to keep the ball better after they went 3-1 up. “It went back and forth, lots of corners for the opposition, that’s why there was no calmness. But maybe that’s what the team needs, for the tension to stay high. In any case, it was a typical Mainz game at home,” the 55-year-old Swiss added. “Mainz were perfect in winning second balls and that’s how they had the edge on us,” admitted FCA coach Enrico Maaßen.
Of course, the focus after the game was on Lee, who scored twice and, as Schmidt noted, “once again scored the important first goal and opened up the game.” The hosts looked superior from the start and shifted the action into Augsburg’s half. The Zerofivers ensured with their pressing that the guests were rarely able to play out from the back, and had to rely on long balls that either the Mainz midfield or commanding back-line could intercept. And then came Lee’s first goal, when he took the ball off Felix Uduokhai and reacted quicker than Ludovic Ajorque after the block to make it 1-0. The goal scorer also started the move to make it 2-0 very shortly after. Karim Onisiwo scored at the back post after a headed assist by Leandro Barreiro, who was then at the centre of the controversial moment that allowed the visitors to make it 2-1 after a VAR decision. “I wouldn’t have given the penalty,” said the Zerofiver. “It happened very quickly, the ball came over me, I turned and jumped, but your hands aren’t glued to your body. He headed the ball at my arm. I spoke to the referee at half time, and he explained his point of view, but I don’t think that the interpretation of the rule is very good. I can’t do anything in that situation.” The conversation, however, made it easier for him to accept the matter, according to the 05 midfielder.
Match winners up front and at the back
After that, the Zerofivers kept up the pressure, and it was in essence another ball recovery that allowed Lee to make it 3-1 after a long ball from Andreas Hanche-Olsen. “I’m happy about my first brace for Mainz 05,” he said, beaming. You certainly have to praise the Korean, the sporting director believes, “But also Onisiwo, who had an incredible amount of energy again today.” For Schmidt, Stefan Bell also stood out as a match winner. “I don’t think Bello lost a single challenge at the back, he won every header. He was a wall in defence and his timing was great,” said Schmidt. Bo Svensson added: “It’s important that those up front put the ball in, but Bello serves us very well at the back. It was another very good performance from him. It would be a mistake to write him off, that’s clear to everyone. As long as I’m manager here, I’ll think twice before doing that.”
Difficult games ahead
The Mainz head coach did not spare his praise for Lee, who he had to substitute after 78 minutes due to cramp. “He was involved in game-changing moments. The cramps showed what he did for the team. Jae-Sung is a great fit for Mainz 05, with the way he plays, never giving up, always working extremely hard,” said Svensson.
“We wanted it more today over 90 minutes, were ruthless, won the important challenges and were ice-cold in front of goal,” said Onisiwo, who was captain against FCA. “It was an important and pleasing win, but we now have difficult games to come,” stressed the Austrian. Next up is an away match against Leverkusen on Sunday. “We have to try and carry this on at Leverkusen and play in the same way. If we start with intensity and play high, press well and unsettle the opposition early, then we can win the ball in their half, play quickly and create chances. It isn’t our game to just wait and see.”
The supporters of 1. FSV Mainz 05 in the stands proved to understand the situation well and increased the already incredible atmosphere in this fast-paced, action-packed encounter, which reflected the occasion perfectly: when the referee disallowed FC Augsburg’s second goal, after a VAR check revealed scorer Fredrik Jensen to be in an offside position, the Mainz fans, most of whom in costume, began celebrating. Along with the songs of the Mainz carnival, loudly and passionately performed by thousands, FSV’s players secured an important and highly deserved 3-1 victory against a stubborn Augsburg side, celebrating a second home victory in a row and increasing their current points tally to 26 after 20 matches. It was enjoyed by everyone involved, especially as the performance of the Zerofivers once again reflected how highly this annual carnival game is regarded by the fans, the significance this occasion has and the reaction that the passion both in the stands and on the pitch can cause. When the two-time goal scorer Jae-Sung Lee finally celebrated the victory wearing a funny red hat with yellow flowers, bright yellow, artificial curls hanging down and sunglasses on his head, it was the picture of the day and the perfect afternoon in Mainz.
Bo Svensson’s reaction after the final whistle showed how important the win and team performance was for the head coach, after the unfortunate defeat a week ago against Union Berlin. “We are very happy that we won and we deserved it,” said the 43-year-old, more relaxed by now. “We tried to bring tempo to the game from the start and we were very active, this was important to us. We also handled them getting one back well and looked very stable. We gave them almost nothing in the game, but had to be strong throughout because Augsburg didn’t give up. I am very happy with my team’s performance, which was consistent over the entire course of the game. Today was another step forward for us,” said Svensson.
Discussion with the referee
“This is what the team needs: a week with clear processes, with a clear plan for the game. We’ve seen that when the basics are done right, when the pressing is right, when everything runs smoothly, we always win the ball and create chances. We scored three goals from this and won the game. It’s good for us to be able to prepare for a game when we have a plan for the week,” explained Martin Schmidt, who was very satisfied following the game. The Mainz sporting director had nothing to criticise about the team’s performance, but, as he said, would have been just a little more reassured if the team had been able to keep the ball better after they went 3-1 up. “It went back and forth, lots of corners for the opposition, that’s why there was no calmness. But maybe that’s what the team needs, for the tension to stay high. In any case, it was a typical Mainz game at home,” the 55-year-old Swiss added. “Mainz were perfect in winning second balls and that’s how they had the edge on us,” admitted FCA coach Enrico Maaßen.
Of course, the focus after the game was on Lee, who scored twice and, as Schmidt noted, “once again scored the important first goal and opened up the game.” The hosts looked superior from the start and shifted the action into Augsburg’s half. The Zerofivers ensured with their pressing that the guests were rarely able to play out from the back, and had to rely on long balls that either the Mainz midfield or commanding back-line could intercept. And then came Lee’s first goal, when he took the ball off Felix Uduokhai and reacted quicker than Ludovic Ajorque after the block to make it 1-0. The goal scorer also started the move to make it 2-0 very shortly after. Karim Onisiwo scored at the back post after a headed assist by Leandro Barreiro, who was then at the centre of the controversial moment that allowed the visitors to make it 2-1 after a VAR decision. “I wouldn’t have given the penalty,” said the Zerofiver. “It happened very quickly, the ball came over me, I turned and jumped, but your hands aren’t glued to your body. He headed the ball at my arm. I spoke to the referee at half time, and he explained his point of view, but I don’t think that the interpretation of the rule is very good. I can’t do anything in that situation.” The conversation, however, made it easier for him to accept the matter, according to the 05 midfielder.
Match winners up front and at the back
After that, the Zerofivers kept up the pressure, and it was in essence another ball recovery that allowed Lee to make it 3-1 after a long ball from Andreas Hanche-Olsen. “I’m happy about my first brace for Mainz 05,” he said, beaming. You certainly have to praise the Korean, the sporting director believes, “But also Onisiwo, who had an incredible amount of energy again today.” For Schmidt, Stefan Bell also stood out as a match winner. “I don’t think Bello lost a single challenge at the back, he won every header. He was a wall in defence and his timing was great,” said Schmidt. Bo Svensson added: “It’s important that those up front put the ball in, but Bello serves us very well at the back. It was another very good performance from him. It would be a mistake to write him off, that’s clear to everyone. As long as I’m manager here, I’ll think twice before doing that.”
Difficult games ahead
The Mainz head coach did not spare his praise for Lee, who he had to substitute after 78 minutes due to cramp. “He was involved in game-changing moments. The cramps showed what he did for the team. Jae-Sung is a great fit for Mainz 05, with the way he plays, never giving up, always working extremely hard,” said Svensson.
“We wanted it more today over 90 minutes, were ruthless, won the important challenges and were ice-cold in front of goal,” said Onisiwo, who was captain against FCA. “It was an important and pleasing win, but we now have difficult games to come,” stressed the Austrian. Next up is an away match against Leverkusen on Sunday. “We have to try and carry this on at Leverkusen and play in the same way. If we start with intensity and play high, press well and unsettle the opposition early, then we can win the ball in their half, play quickly and create chances. It isn’t our game to just wait and see.”
