"Small steps in the right direction"

MAINZ 05 2-2 UNION BERLIN

Niko Bungert: “It was the tough battle we expected between two physical sides who know how to defend. We deservedly took the lead, gave up very little and then made it 2-0. To come away with just one point hurts, because that feeling of success is missing. But we still have two more opportunities this week to build on it. The frustration only outweighs everything today. Phillip Tietz showed what he brings to the whole team as a target man, but also with his pressing. Benedict Hollerbach clearly benefited from that as well and was able to reward himself today.”

Nadiem Amiri: "There are mixed feelings right now, because for a long time we put in a very good performance away from home, both in and out of possession. We were proactive in our play and created chances – that’s what normally defines us. You can't let a 2-0 lead slip here; we weren’t streetwise or clever enough. Even so, we want to build on this, even if these are still small steps in the right direction. We need to analyse the final 15 minutes very intently. The connection with Phillip has been working really well, on and off the pitch. That was a good start. The upcoming matches are like finals, and we’ll take the positives into them, and we're ready to give everything. I’m still 100 percent convinced that we will make it work this year."

Silvan Widmer: “It’s bitter to let the game slip from our hands like that. Given how the match went for so long, it obviously hurts now. In the end, it came down to momentum and fine margins. Union scored twice from very few chances. For long spells, it was very solid, both going forward and defensively. But we can certainly be nastier, more aggressive – today we weren't quite there yet. Now the focus is on picking up three points against Heidenheim on Tuesday."