“Must continue to improve from week to week”

A run of three straight wins has seen 1. FSV Mainz 05 climb out of the relegation zone and into a more comfortable position in the table in recent weeks. The club’s winter signings have provided the hoped-for boost in quality, with FSV’s fighting spirit proving why they should never be written off. Despite sitting in 14th place with 21 points, head coach Urs Fischer asserted that there is no reason for his team to take their foot off the gas ahead of their clash with Borussia Dortmund on Friday night (20:30 CET). Nothing has been achieved yet, Fischer emphasised at the press conference two days before the match, where his side can count on the support of 3,200 Mainz fans, adding “We want to and must continue to improve from week to week.”

Urs Fischer on...

…the recent successes: “Our confidence has returned due to our recent results. There’s a mental shift that occurs when you start to believe in, rather than doubt, yourself. However, we haven’t achieved anything yet and need to continue to improve from week to week.” 

…the game against BVB: “If we manage to build on our performances from the last few weeks, along with remaining compact and sticking to the basics, then we have a chance. Dortmund always find ways of playing through the middle and also have players that are capable of entering into one-vs-ones. We will need to make sure that we keep our shape, especially when they are in transition. At the same time, we will also need to be daring when in possession and not be afraid to move the ball around. In the end, that’s what it comes down to against a top team like this, who have lost just one game so far in addition to having the second-best defence in the league.” 

…the squad: “Maloney will not be able to feature due to illness. Caci is making good progress, but I’ll hold back on making any further predictions –  the same goes for Robin Zentner.”

…competition within the squad: “I think it’s only increased, which is also important. The lads have accepted this. We currently have seven players competing for three available spots at centre-back, so it’s clear that not everyone will be able to play. It’s a similar story in attack. Every coach would be delighted to have a squad like this at their disposal. Being able to bring on someone like Becker for Silas is a great option to have.”

...Sheraldo Becker: “During the 30 minutes that he was on the pitch against Augsburg, he showed just how difficult it is to defend against his pace. He is also always looking for ways to get his teammates involved, in addition to being familiar with the Bundesliga. Especially during the winter transfer window, it’s beneficial to have a player join that already knows what’s needed from them.” 

…the patience required from younger players when it comes to playing time: “Nothing is guaranteed in football. For me, there’s no difference between young and old, but rather between good and slightly less good. It always comes down to the quality of the performance. My starting line-up is made up of the 11 players who I think are best suited for the game at hand. When I see that there’s potential somewhere, then I’ll discuss that privately with each individual player.”