“Not just words, but actions”

Bo Svensson and his team have taken advantage of the international break by working hard in training and holding video analysis sessions to evaluate the defeat in Bremen and the friendly against MSV Duisburg where we bid farewell to the Südtribune. The coach has used the time productively to reflect on the season so far in a constructive manner. “We have to be honest with ourselves and critical of our performances so far,” urged the 44-year-old in the press conference before Saturday’s meeting with VfB Stuttgart (15:30 CEST) at the MEWA ARENA. More than 30,000 fans are expected to turn up to the 05ers’ second home fixture of the season, so it’s essential that they can bring their A-game. 

Svensson has reflected on every possible factor: “I haven’t just considered the match against Werder, but also our tactics, daily training sessions and fitness levels – ultimately, everything that makes up our foundations and identity. This not only comes from the boys themselves, but also the coaching staff and everyone involved in the club as a whole.” Along with his fellow staff members and the players, Svensson poses the question: “What are we aiming to achieve on a day-to-day basis, and are we really putting it into practice, or are we just going through the motions?”

Not just words, but actions

When reviewing the past four competitive fixtures, it’s without question that the 05ers need to work on their consistency at the back, and need to be better out of possession, something that is usually a key part of the Mainz style of play. “We did really well in the Pokal against Elversberg and at home to Frankfurt, but were way off our mark in the other games in Berlin and Bremen,” Svensson explained.

Svensson presented the team with the analysis over the past few days. The players who weren’t on international duty dealt with it well. “Everyone’s bought in to it nicely,” says the 05ers’ head coach. Against VfB, the focus is on exuding what Mainz 05 is all about. “We must keep going and emphasise consistency in our performances. That doesn’t guarantee us a win against Stuttgart. But what we’re committing to shouldn’t just be words but also actions.” For the 05ers, it’s about focusing on how they improve.

Stuttgart with momentum

VfB come to the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate with the momentum of an impressive start to the season. Two 5-0 home wins against Bochum and Freiburg have only been countered by defeat to a top team in Leipzig. “A very good team, individually as well,” says Svensson, who praises the work of his fellow coach Sebastian Hoeneß. “They play incredibly well and are now fulfilling the potential that they’ve had for a long time. This is a difficult task for us.”

Svensson probably has more personnel at his disposal against VfB. All six international players have returned to Bruchweg safe and sound. Additionally, Ludovic Ajorque, Aymen Barkok and Anthony Caci all took part in full training this week. Only Andreas Hanche-Olsen and Nelson Weiper are still doing a reduced schedule. “We still hope that they’ll be available to us,” says Svensson.

Together with the fans

The 05ers are looking to show a different side to themselves and draw on the opening game against Frankfurt in front of their own fans. The experiences of last weekend, when more than 4,000 fans celebrated the friendly win over MSV Duisburg as well as the farewell to the Südtribune stand, could perhaps serve as a small initial spark. “For me personally it was a great experience, and above all a great signal from the whole club,” said Robin Zentner this week. He is also counting on the support of the 05ers in the stands against the Swabians. “We want to put in a good fight in front of our own fans and to take them with us. We need them, because we can’t face the current situation alone,” emphasises the goalkeeper.