A good feeling ahead of cup game against Stuttgart

Three days after the disappointing defeat at VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, 1. FSV Mainz 05 prepare to come up against the Swabians once more — this time, in the second round of the DFB-Pokal at the MEWA ARENA (29th October, 18:00 CET). 

“We will likely rotate a little bit,” head coach Bo Henriksen shared during Tuesday’s pre-match press conference. The Dane will have to watch the match from the stands as he serves a suspension for a red card he picked up in the opening round in Dresden. 

Bo Henriksen on...

…having just a few days to prepare: “We will have a meeting with the players today in order to discuss our match plan. I’ll also speak with them individually and after that I’ll know who’s fit and who’s unavailable. The next game is always the most important one, but we always have to remember to focus on the Bundesliga too. We’ve got an important home game coming up against Bremen on Saturday. We might rotate a little bit.” 

…rotating the team ahead of their second meeting with VfB in just three days: “We rotated the squad heavily against Mostar as well and won. It’s something that we have to do, as it’s normal with all the mid-week games we have. The important thing is that we’re prepared with players that are feeling both fresh and fit. It doesn’t make sense to field players where you’re putting them at risk of an injury. Stuttgart will likely also make some changes to their team. We know what they want. Playing the same opponent twice in the span of three days means that you’re able to get very familiar with them. The power and energy we’re able to generate in the MEWA ARENA will be more important than our tactics. I’ve got a good feeling about it.” 

…putting the defeat at the weekend behind them: “Footballers aren’t machines. The game in Stuttgart was evenly-matched and we should have taken something from it. We did a lot of things right. It’s important that we get back to our DNA and that we throw everything we have into defending — that’s what will make the difference. We did well in the final third as well and our xG was close to 2.0. That’s a fantastic rate away in Stuttgart. Celebrating successes together is important and hopefully we’ll be able to start with one tomorrow.” 

…tactical changes: “I’m not too hung up on a particular formation. What’s important is believing in your match plan. When things aren’t working, then of course, you have to change them. The statistics are on our side, but we need to be better in defence.” 

…his suspension for the cup game: “It’s obviously not the ideal scenario. But the players all know what we want. We have a great coaching staff and I’m not worried at all about us not putting in a strong performance.”

...Anthony Caci’s contract extension: “It’s great news for us. He’s a very talented player and he makes others better by extension. We’re delighted about the extension and miss having him on the pitch with us. Hopefully he’s able to return as soon as possible.”