Ready for Mainz

The 2022/23 Bundesliga season is in the final straight, making it imperative to keep a cool head in the remaining games. Next up for VfB is a trip to 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Sunday (kick-off 15:30 CEST).

While VfB need points to avoid relegation, Mainz still have the chance to qualify for Europe going into Matchday 33, making it a tough test for Sebastian Hoeneß’s side, whose approach will remain the same regardless of other results on Saturday. “We’re not giving any thought to any kind of permutations,” said the head coach.

“We’re focusing on how we can win against Mainz. We’re going there to get all three points. I’m certain that the team is well prepared for what to expect on Sunday. It will be a game in which we’ll have to fight to implement our style of play. Mainz are difficult to play against but we’ve got qualities of our own that can cause them problems.”

The VfB tactician should be able to call on Konstantinos Mavropanos once again after the Greek defender increased his training workload during the week and returned to full training on Friday. Josha Vagnoman (foot), Fabian Bredlow and Florian Müller (both with colds) have not trained with the team of late but should be fit for the game in Mainz.