MAINZ, Germany – Paul Nebel is enjoying a remarkable run of form for 1. FSV Mainz 05, and coach Urs Fischer is taking notice. The 23-year-old forward cemented his growing reputation with a two-goal performance in Mainz’s crucial 2-1 Rhine-Main derby victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on March 22, a result that significantly boosts their relegation battle in the Bundesliga.
Nebel’s recent performances have been a welcome sight for Mainz supporters, particularly after a period where he struggled for consistent playing time. Fischer acknowledged the player’s perseverance, stating, “He has really fought his way back. He had a phase where things weren’t going so well and he wasn’t playing much.” The coach emphasized that Nebel’s current success is a direct result of his dedication and increased effort, noting the player’s “insane work rate,” as translated from German sources.
The victory over Frankfurt was particularly significant, moving Mainz nine points clear of the relegation zone. As reported by the Bundesliga official website, Nebel opened the scoring in the sixth minute, with a shot that deflected off Frankfurt defender Arthur Theate, and then secured the win with an 89th-minute winner.
Fischer highlighted Nebel’s development beyond just goalscoring. “I believe he has made progress in terms of ball control,” Fischer said. “He is on the right track when it comes to continuing play.” The coach also pointed out a surprising element of Nebel’s recent form: his ability to score with his head, a testament to his growing confidence.
Despite the praise, Fischer cautioned against complacency. He stressed the importance of consistency for Nebel, stating that the young forward must “keep at it” to solidify his recent improvements. The upcoming international break provides Nebel with an opportunity to maintain his momentum before Mainz travels to face TSG Hoffenheim on April 4th in another vital match for Bundesliga survival.
The Rhine-Main derby is always a heated affair, and this year’s contest was no exception. Frankfurt was without suspended defender Robin Koch, with Arthur Theate captaining the side. According to Transfermarkt, Jonathan Burkardt, a former Mainz player, made his return to his old stadium but had a quiet game.
Interestingly, Eintracht Frankfurt’s World Cup hero Mario Götze was left out of the squad entirely for the match. Coach Albert Riera explained his decision, stating that Götze was not at 100% physically and that he had to choose the best players for the bench. The Associated Press reported that Riera even challenged a pre-game interviewer to name a player who should be dropped to make room for Götze, highlighting the coach’s confidence in his selected lineup.
Götze’s limited playing time this season has raised questions about his role within the team. He has made 18 league appearances in 27 rounds but has only completed one full Bundesliga game. His omission from the squad against Mainz suggests a potential shift in his standing under Riera compared to the previous coach, Dino Toppmöller.
For Mainz, Nebel’s resurgence is a timely boost as they continue their fight to avoid relegation. The team’s recent form, including their qualification for the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals, has provided a much-needed lift. The win against Frankfurt demonstrates their resilience and determination to secure their place in the Bundesliga for another season. The club currently sits with 30 points, providing a cushion as the season enters its crucial final stages.
The next challenge for Mainz will be a difficult trip to Hoffenheim. TSG Hoffenheim are also battling for points, making the match a crucial one for both teams. Nebel and his teammates will need to maintain their current form and work rate to secure a positive result and continue their climb up the Bundesliga table.
Mainz fans will be hoping that Nebel can continue his impressive form and lead the team to safety. His dedication, improved skills, and goalscoring ability have made him a key player for the club, and his performances are providing a much-needed spark in their relegation battle.
What’s Next: Mainz travels to Sinsheim to face TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday, April 4th, in a pivotal Bundesliga match. Kick-off is scheduled for the local venue time, with details to be confirmed closer to the date.
