Mainz currently has to do without three offensive players. Sports director Martin Schmidt is keeping his eyes and ears open, but the people of Rheinhessen don’t want to succumb to actionism.
Martin Schmidt keeps his eyes and ears open when it comes to transfers
IMAGO/sport photo pack
For many clubs, the first game after such a long break, like that of the more than two-month World Cup break, is a first assessment of where they stand. For the Mainz sports director Martin Schmidt, this is only partially true. Although he “saw a lot of good things” in the 1-1 draw in Stuttgart, there were also many things that Schmidt attributed to “a lack of rhythm”. “Now you know that you still don’t know exactly where you stand,” the 55-year-old left his assessment open after the game on the “Sky” microphone.
Mainz injury misery in attack
It was noticed that his 05ers were “satisfied with the draw after a certain phase”. Especially in the second half, the FSV – apart from a crossbar hit by Aymen Barkok – could not pose any real goal threat. Schmidt sees a starting point here, but one that falls more within his area of responsibility. Delano Burgzorg (ankle injury) and Marlon Mustapha (rehab after thigh surgery) are also unavailable, as is Jonathan Burkardt (rehab after knee surgery), whose comeback has been delayed. Coach Bo Svensson is currently missing three attack alternatives.
“It’s clear that we’ll see what we can do offensively,” said Schmidt. The sports director sees a need for action, especially in the storm center. Although Schmidt also referred to the young Mainz attackers Nelson Weiper (17), Brajan Gruda (18) and Ben Bobzien (19) – these will also get their playing time – but of the established players only Karim Onisiwo and Marcus Ingvartsen are currently available. While Ingvartsen scored from the penalty spot to make it 1-1, Onisiwo was as enthusiastic as usual, but also not dangerous against Stuttgart.
Nevertheless, Schmidt does not want to succumb to actionism, “we don’t have to”. Mainz will only become active on the market if it fits sportingly and economically. Mainz still have time until January 31, after which the winter transfer window will close.
