“We need to do everything right”

The Bundesliga run-in is here! The 05ers celebrated winning a late point last weekend in the 1-1 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach, but must now focus on their next, even tougher challenge. The already-crowned champions FC Bayern München are set to visit the MEWA ARENA on Saturday afternoon (15:30 CEST), however a quick look at the recent games between the two sides should give the 05ers some real confidence. Mainz have taken all three points in four of the last five Bundesliga games against Bayern at the MEWA ARENA – no other side has beaten the record champions as much in that timeframe than the 05ers. Mainz also became the second team to take points off Bayern this season in the reverse fixture after a 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena – reason enough to look ahead to this fixture with a certain level of confidence and optimism. Head coach Urs Fischer gave us his thoughts ahead of the game in his pre-match press conference.

Urs Fischer on...

...the available squad: “Nadiem Amiri and Anthony Caci have both recovered well from their long layoffs and are fully fit for Saturday’s game. Robin Zentner is also a candidate for the squad. Jae-sung Lee and Maxim Leitsch won’t be available, but both are making good progress.”

...his time as Mainz head coach: “It’s been everything I thought it would be when I joined. The team has been fantastic in the past few months. At one point we were in last place with six points and now we have a cushion on the relegation zone. We haven’t achieved anything yet, though. Nevertheless, our position has improved significantly. The lads deserve credit for that, especially considering the pressure and the workload that comes with playing in two competitions.”

...Bayern’s strengths: “They have enormous amounts of individual quality and a lot of game-changing players. Looking at this season, I would also highlight their team spirit. That is their greatest strength in my opinion.”

...the reverse fixture: “That certainly gave us a level of confidence and self-belief ahead of the challenges we faced in that difficult period. Our place in the league isn’t secure yet, but there are three points up for grabs against Bayern München – we need them. The lads have been very focused all week.”

...how his side can beat Bayern: “We need to do everything right and get a bit of luck. First and foremost, it’s up to us to be ready and deliver. If we do that, then we have a chance of getting something out of a top team like Bayern.”