"We can be proud of our performance"

1. FC Heidenheim 0-2 Mainz 05

Niko Bungert: “Heidenheim have made a real impression during their three seasons in the Bundesliga and kept the race for survival alive right to the very end again this year. Massive respect to them, accepting their fate today with composure and pride as well. We knew we were coming up against a Heidenheim side who would do everything to avoid relegation. We dealt with that well. We were in control for large parts of the game and could have made it 3-0. Batzi kept us in it a few times too, so we were very pleased with that. He has helped us out a lot during this past year with his performances and his presence.”

Daniel Batz: “We stood up to the battle and knew what was at stake for Heidenheim. We could probably have been even further ahead by half time. After the break, we had less of the ball and rode our luck a bit in once or twice. The win rounds out an impressive second half of the season from us, and now we head off on holiday. The team needs to take these performances forward into next season, when I sadly won’t be here anymore. Ending the campaign with a victory always feels good, though.”

Silvan Widmer: “I thought the guard of honour for Heidenheim was a lovely gesture. They kept things exciting right up to the final matchday and gave everything until the end. We wish them all the best for the future. We can be proud of our performance today – we wanted to sign off with this win. After the last few months, we deserved to end the season in this fashion, and we wanted to give the fans that feeling again too. The season had its highs and lows, but from December onwards we played a really mature and successful brand of football. That has also given us a foundation to build on. Mainz has become a club that means a lot to me, so it was always clear that I would stay if the chance presented itself.”