With their second win in a row, Mainz is putting a lot of pressure on the competition. The zero-fives also upped their game verbally.
In the middle of the Mainz cheering crowd: coach Bo Henriksen. IMAGO/Eibner
In the final phase, 1. FSV Mainz 05 slowly got going. The 4-1 win against Hoffenheim was not only the second win with four goals in a row, but also a very important one in the relegation battle – because the zero fives continued to make up ground on the competition. The Rheinhessen are still in the relegation place with 26 points, but 15th Bochum, who played 1-1 against Heidenheim, is only one point away. Wolfsburg (28 points) and Union (29 points) also feel their pursuers breathing more clearly on their necks.
FSV sports director Martin Schmidt also put additional pressure on the competition after the game: “The fact that Bochum, Wolfsburg and Union are now naturally nervous is something we managed to achieve with the victories we achieved.”
Mainz turns up the heat after the break
Against Hoffenheim, the Mainz team didn’t allow themselves to be disturbed by a temporary deficit. With a quick double strike from Jonathan Burkardt (47th) and Phillipp Mwene (51st), the Zero Fives quickly turned the game around and finally pulled away with further goals from Brajan Gruda (63rd) and Karim Onisiwo (88th). “In the second half we worked and had this positive energy and the trust and belief in the team,” said coach Bo Henriksen happily.
The second win in a row – a first for Mainz this season – has further increased confidence in their own strength, especially now that direct relegation is within reach again. “We have the feeling that we can win against anyone. That is very important for us,” said Henriksen. Nevertheless, the Mainz team still has to make up points on the competition, because Schmidt emphasized that they are not yet satisfied with 16th place because: “That’s not enough.”
“We are not 16th place”
But the belief that the race to catch up will – once again – be successful is back. However, the Zero Fives don’t look at the competition at first, as Nadiem Amiri emphasized: “We are strong enough. We are not in 16th place. We just have to look at ourselves. We have it in our hands and have to try everything to achieve it to come out below.”
In the first direct relegation place (Cologne), the Zero Fives have already extended their lead to four points. But the focus is on the future anyway. “I would like to remain a hunter for another two or three weeks. The tension remains high,” said Schmidt.
If the Mainz team manages to bring “this energy and passion” onto the pitch “in the next five finals”, then Henriksen also has “a good feeling”. The Zero Fives also play against direct competitors twice. On the 31st matchday, Cologne comes to Mainz, the FSV will play the season finale at VfL Wolfsburg – possibly a real final. The other opponents are Freiburg (A), Heidenheim (A) and Dortmund (H).
2024-04-13 20:10:29
#Mainz #announcement #Feeling #win
