Frustrating and Unnecessary

1. FSV Mainz 05 2-3 SV Werder Bremen (HT: 1-2)

Niko Bungert: "It's a frustrating defeat for us. It was a heated game from the very first minute, with plenty of tough challenges. It was clear that neither team was willing to give anything away today. We didn't really get into the game in the opening 25 minutes. Werder were defending in a deep block, and we made things easier for them by giving the ball away too cheaply. That left us out of position and vulnerable to counterattacks, which led to both goals we conceded. Both penalties were frustrating, avoidable and completely unnecessary. We also had several opportunities to clear the ball before their third goal. Scoring twice at home should sometimes be enough, especially given the standards we set ourselves and the qualities that define us. None of us can be satisfied with that. You can see how frustrated everyone is right now and that the lads are fed up with the situation. It's bitter to suffer another defeat because of three soft goals. Nevertheless, we were always in the game, particularly at 2-1, when an equaliser looked increasingly likely. We kept pushing even after falling 3-1 behind. The team put in a tremendous amount of effort, and you can't fault anyone for their mentality. Maybe we're also lacking a little bit of luck at home at the moment."

Nadiem Amiri: "It's brutal. It really hurts. We had big plans for today and wanted to be fully switched on from the very first second. Unfortunately, we were completely asleep for the opening 20 minutes once again. After that, we played really well, but then conceded an unnecessary third goal. Still, we showed character and fighting spirit and created chances. Unfortunately, playing well for just 70 minutes isn't enough in the Bundesliga."

Alexander Schwolow: "We simply weren't at the races in the opening 20 minutes. We were always a step too late, and even when we got into challenges, we weren't decisive enough. We made life difficult for ourselves and gave away two completely unnecessary penalties. Of course, it's tough when you find yourself 2-0 down. Nevertheless, we showed fighting spirit once again, but we can't keep needing to score three goals at home just to get something out of a game. That's simply not good enough."