Stefan Posch has quickly settled back in after his return to Mainz 05. The experienced centre-back plays an important leadership role as the central figure in defence and is expected to give his teammates stability. Following the defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt, Posch emphasises the fundamentals that had previously made FSV strong in their game ahead of Saturday’s match (15:30, live on Sky, DAZN and 05ER.fm) in Mönchengladbach.
“I’m in a good place here”
His first few weeks in Mainz have confirmed the Austrian’s positive impression of the club. “I’m in a good place here, where I feel very comfortable. It was definitely the right decision and I’m very happy to be here,” said Posch.
At the same time, the first few matches of the season have also shown what he had announced a few weeks ago. “We won’t be given anything for free and have to work hard for every success” — the 28-year-old now feels that assessment from the summer has been confirmed. Against Frankfurt, it was clear that it is not enough if the team does not reach its limit. Mainz 05 also struggled at times against Paderborn. In the 5-0 win in Hamburg, however, the team showed what is possible when everyone brings their strengths onto the pitch together. “You can simply see that it takes the absolute limit from everyone and that we can only manage it together.”
More than just a centre-back
With his experience, he is expected not only to deliver consistent performances himself, but also to lead the teammates alongside and in front of him. “I think I definitely have a lot of responsibility there — in defence, but also within the team in general,” Posch explained. He is particularly keen to support the younger players, give them advice and help ensure the best possible coordination. Communication is a decisive factor for him in that regard. “You can expect me to support the lads.”
That also applies when mistakes happen that lead to goals conceded, as they did against SGE. “We have to deal with that as a team. I think the coordination on Saturday wasn’t ideal. Against Hamburg, it was clearly better.” The key, therefore, is to continue developing the necessary stability.
Not just moving on, but drawing the right conclusions
Against Frankfurt, the Rheinhessen were missing above all those basics that had previously made the team strong. Posch points in particular to the first half. “It was very clear that we didn’t win the duels. Every second ball went to Frankfurt.” But those exact situations are the foundation of Mainz’s game. Compactness, strength in challenges and winning second balls are crucial in order to put the opposition under pressure and take control of a match themselves.
In Posch’s view, the defeat against Frankfurt should not simply be brushed aside. “It’s not forgotten,” he said. What matters much more is that the team have analysed the game properly and draw the right conclusions from it.
