"We Have to Take to the Pitch with Complete Belief and Confidence"

The upcoming international break will be a different experience for Silvan Widmer. Following this summer's World Cup, the Mainz captain announced his retirement from international football after 65 appearances for Switzerland. It was not an easy decision, but one he made with his physical well-being in mind. He will still be doing a little travelling next week, however, as he prepares for his official farewell with the national team. Ideally, he would like to head into that occasion with a confidence boost from the Bundesliga and a positive result to put a disappointing week of three matches behind him. Ahead of the clash with record champions Bayern Munich, there has been plenty to discuss at the Bruchweg training ground. After all, Mainz will need to deliver an outstanding performance for the full 90 minutes, and perhaps even more, against the league leaders, as Widmer explained in an interview.

Three defeats against Bremen, Bochum and Elversberg, nine goals conceded and a series of performances that have raised questions among fans, players and club officials alike. Mainz captain Widmer also described the events of the past week as "difficult to explain", although he offered some possible reasons. "During a week like that, you just go from one game to the next. I've experienced it before. You barely have time to train, and your confidence gradually starts to fade. You begin to feel worse and worse, losing belief in yourself and your own abilities," the full-back explained. The response has been thorough analysis, honest conversations within the team and some clear messages, alongside a renewed focus on the qualities that have made Mainz successful. "Conceding too many goals is one of the main things we have to take responsibility for. We're making too many mistakes as a team on the pitch, and often it's not just one mistake but several in the same passage of play. In the Bundesliga, those mistakes are punished ruthlessly. That's why it's absolutely crucial that we get back to what has always made us strong: working together, supporting each other and stepping onto the pitch with complete belief and confidence."

Leading by Example as Captain

While confidence is primarily rebuilt through performances on matchdays, Mainz have also shown over the years that the foundations for success at the weekend are laid through high-intensity training sessions. "We have a culture here where everyone gives their all in training. If we don't meet those standards, we get clear feedback. But as a team, we're usually very reliable in that respect and always put in the work. That's why I'm convinced we can break out of this negative spiral," Widmer explained. However, he also knows that Mainz need to turn things around sooner rather than later. The current dip in form must not develop into a more serious crisis, with memories of the team's remarkable but exhausting comeback runs in recent years still fresh.

Now in his sixth season at Mainz, Widmer has experienced almost everything during his time at the club and is determined to live up to his responsibilities both on and off the pitch in his third year as captain. "I keep an eye on things and try to have a positive influence. I try to encourage the lads, but I'm also prepared to speak frankly when necessary. It's important that everyone understands exactly where we stand, recognises the situation we're in and that we're all pulling in the same direction. Of course, that's not just my responsibility, but also that of the leadership group and the coaching staff. It's something we all have to take responsibility for." Could the visit of Bayern Munich to the MEWA ARENA this weekend actually come at the right time, allowing Mainz to embrace the underdog role? "It doesn't really matter who we're playing right now. Maybe we can play with a little more freedom. But we also know we'll need a 10/10 performance to beat Bayern. We know we're capable of that because we've shown it before. So we'll be ready and give everything," said the 33-year-old veteran. Widmer, who could step in for the suspended Phillipp Mwene on Saturday, has a clear idea of what he wants to see from his team: "I want to see togetherness, committed tackles and the right body language. I want to see us high-fiving each other after a good piece of play. I want the fans to feel that the team is determined to make something happen today."

"It Doesn't Really Matter Who We're Playing Right Now"

If Mainz can deliver the improved performance they're aiming for against the record champions, the final international break of the year will come as a welcome opportunity to recharge after a demanding few weeks. Widmer would also head back to his native Switzerland in much better spirits for his official farewell with the national team. However, he remains convinced that retiring from international football was the right decision. "It still feels very strange because, over the past few years, I've often travelled straight off after our last game. Now I have a bit more breathing space during these breaks and can give my body some time to recover. I'm really looking forward to spending a few days off with my family."