Rouven Schröder did not hide the fact that business in the transfer period that ended on Monday did not go as he had hoped. Until then, FSV Mainz 05 had only made one noteworthy sale, that of right-back Ridle Baku to VfL Wolfsburg, which brought ten million euros into the account. And the Rheinhessen Bundesliga club only reported the two central defenders Dimitri Lavalée and Luca Kilian. After all: After the changeover period had expired, the sports director brought another player ashore, midfielder Kevin Stöger, who has been a clubless since relegation with Fortuna Düsseldorf.
“Some things were planned differently, but the difficult economic situation caused by Corona in connection with the latest achievements has meant that things have developed differently,” says Schröder. The reluctance of many clubs due to the difficult economic situation and the lack of clarity about how things will continue in the wake of Corona was a fundamental problem. In the Mainz case, there was also the fact that the performances of those players who were considered potential departures were in the first three season games were too manageable for larger clubs to actually decide on a purchase.
In the friendly against the second division club Karlsruher SC on Thursday, the team lost 4-2. “We would have liked to have enriched our squad ourselves, but our hands were tied without the corresponding income.” The manager shows understanding for the fans, who are dissatisfied with the three defeats and the lack of refreshment of the squad and fear the worst. “I know that many are currently finding it difficult to look positively into the future,” he says. “We hand in our business card on the field, it didn’t make a good impression recently, and the fans have eyes on their heads.” Nevertheless, those responsible shouldn’t let themselves be distracted by this mood or the general conditions. It is important to “improve the things that we can influence” and to get the curve with the existing staff.
Stöger should help
Kevin Stöger is supposed to help. As someone who has been relegated himself, but is unencumbered by the Mainz squabble of the past few weeks with players’ strike, discussions about salary repayments and the dismissal of coaches. Left-footed, a man for standard situations, experienced in the Bundesliga – “this is a very good transfer for us,” says Schröder. The sports director emphasizes that it did not oblige the Austrian to put pressure on the previous regulars, but to increase the quality of the squad. “Of course we have competition in the center, but after zero points from three games you always have competition. The better one prevails. “
Of course, the new addition will not be able to turn around on its own, the team as a whole has to do that. He has not lost the conviction that this will succeed, assures Rouven Schröder. After all, the team has already proven that they can play the Bundesliga and get the necessary points. “She succeeded in doing this very impressively in the final phase of last season, but unfortunately not in the beginning of the new season.”
Wrong decisions made
The development in the week after the game in Leipzig up to the home defeat against VfB Stuttgart showed “that we made a few decisions wrong,” he admits. There were good reasons not to dismiss Achim Beierlorzer after the already very difficult previous season. “We had achieved the mission to stay up thanks to a final sprint from all involved, and there was a basic confidence that this success would inspire us for the new season and that we would develop further.” In addition, Mainz 05 does not want to be the club that has two within one year Coach throws out. “First of all, we always aim to regulate things on our own and with the means available. But we now had to reassess the situation and then act accordingly. “
Whether all the players will participate fully in the renewed fight to stay in class or whether one or the other who has already seen each other at a larger club or in another league is lacking in commitment is a question that will only be answered in a few weeks lets answer. “I have the confidence in people that everyone wants to use their potential,” says Schröder, “but I can’t look into their heads.” He can’t rule out the possibility that some people will be disappointed, but before a change they have to perform well stand. “The players have a duty to work well and deliver positive results. If they do that, other clubs will notice them again and then the next step will be possible again. “
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