"Getting Back on Track"

"Putting an end to our recent run of poor results" – that was how Urs Fischer outlined his team's objective for Saturday's clash with Bayern Munich (3:30 PM CET, live on Sky, DAZN and 05ER.fm) during Friday afternoon's press conference. Following their recent results, Mainz have slipped to ninth place in the Bundesliga table, although they remain in a significantly better position than at the same stage last season. Fischer therefore refused to describe the situation as a "crisis" and once again stressed the importance of getting back to basics. "Those are the qualities that make us strong. Intensity, aggression and efficiency. We need to bring those qualities back onto the pitch so we can start winning games again." Easier said than done, as the head coach knows all too well. Nevertheless, the 60-year-old remained optimistic ahead of the Bayern clash. "We've had a tough but productive week of training. The atmosphere within the squad is still very good. We're fully convinced that we can take a step in the right direction on Saturday."

The Swiss Coach Also Spoke About...

...the defeat against Elversberg: "I needed a few nights to reflect on what happened. After that, we analysed everything objectively and gained a clearer understanding of the situation we're in. Now we need to improve things step by step as a team, and we can take the first step on Saturday."

...team news: "Silas and Dominik Kohr are still sidelined through injury. Stefan Posch and Phillipp Mwene are both suspended. I'm not going to reveal who will replace them just yet."

...the mental side of the game: "When results aren't going your way, every professional athlete starts to question things. For us, it's important to stay confident. If we lose the first challenge, we need to go into the next one with complete belief and maximum commitment. That's easier said than done, but it's exactly the mentality we expect from our players."

...the team's positive record against Bayern: "We've talked about that several times this week. We looked back at footage from our previous meetings and reminded ourselves of what worked well and what didn't. In the 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena, we covered more ground than any team had ever done before. That said, you always need a bit of luck against Bayern, but we've managed to make our own luck in those previous encounters."

...the record champions: "They're the best team in Germany. Technically, tactically and mentally, they're an outstanding side that continues to improve with every game. Tuesday's match against Atlético Madrid was a perfect example of that for me. To produce such a dominant performance against a team that's so difficult to play against shows just how much quality they have."

...his expectations for the game: "Our focus hasn't been on Bayern, but on ourselves. We need to get back on track, and the only way to do that is by making progress week after week and continuing to work hard. What matters most to me on Saturday is the way we approach and play the game. That doesn't necessarily have to result in a positive outcome. If I see the right attitude and mentality from the team, I'll be satisfied."

...mental fatigue following the summer World Cup: "Looking at how we started the season, I definitely don't want to blame mental fatigue from the World Cup. Our opponents have just come through six consecutive weeks with midweek fixtures, and they're managing it too. For me, it's much more about our recent performances. Those are having a far greater impact on our confidence and mentality."

...Nadiem Amiri's omission from the national team squad: "Now he has to respond with his performances and prove to the national team coach that he made the wrong decision. That has to be his motivation."

...Anthony Caci's development: "It was important for him to get some playing time under his belt again after his injury. He's settled back into the team really well, and scoring those goals has obviously given him a confidence boost."