Caci: “Have to play intelligent football”

Anthony Caci was a pivotal part of what was arguably the most memorable phase of play in the DFB-Pokal victory against SV Elversberg. Making a confident run into opposition’s penalty box from the left wing after regaining possession high up the pitch, the 26-year-old flew past two defenders before getting stopped in his tracks on the goal line. The decision was made- a penalty to Mainz, which fellow Frenchman Ludovic Ajorque confidently slotted away, making up for their previous shortcomings in the final third. Next Sunday (15:30 CEST) will be a great opportunity for the team to make a lasting impression on Champions League contenders Union Berlin, against who Caci is eager to make the 90 minutes as difficult as possible.

Positive first year at the Bruchweg

The French defender is extremely excited to start his second chapter as a Red-White. “It was a year of many stages”, explained Caci, for whom the season got off to a bumpy start following an injury spell. But this didn’t stop him from making a brilliant comeback and earning spot in the starting eleven. “We were at the point where we’d gone ten games unbeaten and could even catch a glimpse of Europe”, ‘Titi’ recollects. Following four consecutive defeats, Mainz closed the door on their 2022/23 campaign with a remarkable win against Dortmund.

Caci couldn’t express enough how welcome he feels with FSV. “Mainz has become my new home”, enthused the full-back, who is thoroughly enjoying his life in Rheinhessen. His German is also getting better and is proving useful in everyday life, reports the Frenchman, who was born in Forbach. “At this point I can understand about 70% of what I hear”. The language used on the pitch is much easier to comprehend; “you have to use short and sharp communication, so I practically always know what’s been said”, he explained.

Strong pre-season after a relaxing holiday

Caci spent the summer break following his first season at Mainz travelling the world. “I love exploring different cultures and trying new food, so I had to spend the month seeing new places”, he said, speaking enthusiastically of his holiday to Morocco, Spain, Greece and France. 

Since the beginning of July, however, the Frenchman has been sweating with his colleagues on the training pitch again instead of under the summer sun. “We had a successful pre-season and first game in the Pokal”, he shared, excited that everything is starting back up again. Caci often divided his playing time in the friendlies with U23s player David Mamutovic. “I really enjoy working with younger players”, he recalled, in light of the help he himself received from experienced players on his way to the professional level. “Their advice always stuck with me, so I try to support the younger team members and give them guidance on and off the pitch.”

Defenders are fundamental to the team

Caci not only conceded very little defensively throughout the game, yet also acted as a decisive member of the attack. The SVE full-back drove into the penalty area with pace and determination, winning a contentious penalty for Ajorque to slot home and give Mainz the win in an intense game. 

Situations like these are always great to see for Bo Svensson and his coaching team. “As full-backs, we’re always urged to push up, press with intensity, and get into the box. That’s how I won the penalty and a goal-scoring opportunity. Our aim is to continue this momentum on the pitch more frequently in the future”, Caci explained. A solid defence is fundamental in producing a good team performance. “For defenders - as well as goalkeepers - the biggest payoff is a clean sheet”, said the Frenchman. For this reason, the team were ultimately satisfied with their most recent performance in the Saarland. “If you let nothing through the back line and win the ball high up the pitch, you’ll be able to create so many more goal-scoring opportunities.”

Elversberg as a successful dress rehearsal

Facing the Saarlanders proved to be essential preparation for the Bundesliga-opener against 1. FC Union on Sunday afternoon. “They’re a strong team who will press aggressively and play the ball forwards with confidence”, said ‘Titi’. It’s often difficult to play against teams like this, which is why the pre-season friendly was beneficial in preparing for the clash against the Champions League participants in Berlin. “They are an unpleasant opponent to play against and give you no time on the ball in their end of the pitch. We need to adapt to this and set up defensively like in previous matches, so that we can play intelligent football and create our own chances”, explained Caci. He admitted that he’s anticipating “a good atmosphere and positive result” from the Bundesliga-opener at the Alten Fösterei , where three points are once again at stake.