“Everyone is responsible for themselves”

The final 90 minutes of the season await 1. FSV Mainz 05 when they visit 1. FC Heidenheim on Saturday afternoon (15:30 CEST). For the hosts, however, the campaign could still go beyond this weekend, provided they beat FSV and – in the best case scenario for them – St. Pauli draw with Wolfsburg. It is a scenario that looked highly unlikely just a few weeks ago, and it makes this final trip of the season, with over 2,000 Mainz fans travelling to support the 05ers, a high-stakes affair. Urs Fischer explained on Thursday afternoon that his side are aware of the responsibility they carry on matchday 34, but also stressed that they are not responsible for where other clubs end up at the end of the season. “We fought our way out of a very difficult situation. That means an enormous amount to us,” the Mainz head coach added, before also reflecting on FSV’s recovery from a personal perspective.

In the final press conference of the season at the MEWA ARENA, Fischer also spoke about...

...his own approach: “We won’t be doing anyone any favours, so as always, we’ll try to put out the best possible team to deliver the best possible performance. That didn’t happen before half time against Union, but the reaction afterwards was good. That’s how we want to play in Heidenheim. Whether we manage that remains to be seen.”

...the impact of securing survival early: “It’s only human that when the mental pressure drops, it triggers something and you let go a little. Building that tension back up again isn’t always easy. We crowned a fantastic comeback with three matchdays to spare, and nobody can reproach us for anything. We fought our way out of a very difficult situation. That means an enormous amount to us. Ultimately, everyone is responsible for themselves. We showed the lads very clearly how we don’t want to play – all we had to do was look at the first half against Union.”

...the significance of the final game: “You always take the final game with you. In that sense, I do think ending with a positive result can help us beyond the summer. We’ll try to get whatever result we can. There’s still plenty of motivation, with league position and a bit of TV revenue also at stake.”

...how he views the fightback since the turn of the year: “I’d rank this second half of the season very highly in my career. To come back like that and secure survival early is exceptional. It was only possible because so many people worked together. Personally, I don’t see myself as a saviour, but I did play my part.”

...his opposite number: “I don’t just appreciate the work Frank Schmidt does, but also him as a person. It’s always very pleasant speaking with him. How long he’s been at Heidenheim and what he’s achieved there speaks for itself. I wouldn’t wish relegation on anyone, but that’s not how it works.”

...the opposition’s form: “Heidenheim have been unbeaten for a long time. They’ve taken points against Leverkusen, Freiburg and Bayern and are in good form. They’re versatile in possession and man-oriented without the ball. They play directly towards the defensive line, and second balls against an aggressive opponent will also be important. Of course, they’ll do everything they can to take their chance, so we need to be ready.”

...the squad situation: “Danny da Costa is a doubt, but he’ll return to full team training on Friday. After that, we’ll discuss things and make a decision. Apart from that, all the players are available.”

...the recent contract extensions: “Danny and Bello have their roles on and off the pitch, and they do them really well. Both have been around long enough and have valuable experience. I don’t like judging players as old or young. I distinguish between good and not so good. You always need a mix of ages in the squad. That’s important, but performance always comes first. Bello in particular showed that this season. He always delivered when we needed him.”