"We need to be better going forward": mixed feelings for FSV

1. FSV Mainz 05 0-0 FC St. Pauli

Board member for sport Christian Heidel: “Today’s was not a game for the neutral, rather a battle of attrition. We have major sporting problems at this moment in time. We have progressed beyond the first stage of the Conference League, but our priority is the Bundesliga, and eight points are too few after 15 matchdays. We feel that we can turn things around but in order to do that you need to be scoring against St. Pauli. Today was a setback – we need to be better going forward. We are now unbeaten in four games, which marks the first step. The team is now more defensively solid, but I have rarely witnessed a game without any clear goalscoring opportunities.”

Silvan Widmer: “My feelings are mixed. We did some stuff right but without forcing the ball over the line. We would have preferred to head into the winter break off the back of a win, so we’re not completely satisfied. At the midpoint of the first half, we upped our game and had a couple of half chances. At the end of the day, one point is better than none, but we thought we could come away with more. It is possible to see a slight upturn over the course of the last two weeks, giving little away and deserved to keep a clean sheet. We just need a few more training sessions with the new coach in order to improve in possession. Then, we will be ready and firing in the opening games of the new year. There is a long way to go until the middle of May and we will not give up the fight until then.”

Danny da Costa: “You obviously want to win games at home against your direct rivals; therefore, we are somewhat disappointed. On the other hand, it is important to look at the positives. We gave away little, remained compact and made sure of the clean sheet. St. Pauli have not extended their gap ahead of us, but then we haven’t reduced it either. That final bit of play was just lacking for us today and that is where we need to step up our game in the new year.”