“Every game is a six-pointer”

Jan Siewert didn’t need to emphasise the importance of the game for both clubs at his press conference ahead of his side’s visit to 1. FC Köln in the relegation battle on Sunday (17:30 CET). Following the bitter defeat against Freiburg last weekend, the 05ers want to once again increase their chances of picking up points. Mainz’s head coach demands more straightforward solutions, particularly in shooting situations. “That’s going to be crucial,” Siewert said. Around 2,500 Mainz fans will be accompanying the team on Sunday.

The most important information on the game in Köln 

The current situation

The team placed 15th in the league will be taking on the side in 17th. Two sides that are defined by individual duels and intense football will be facing off against one another: The clash between FC and FSV promises to be a pure relegation six-pointer. Alongside the fight for every inch, the 05ers, who have won more ground duels than any other side in the Bundesliga (1,341), want to add to their own points tally before the winter break. A point separates both teams in the table. “Köln are going to throw everything at us in front of their home crowd. However, we’ll do the same and therefore we see it as a good opportunity for ourselves,” Siewert said. “We’re going to Köln to win.”

In order to be successful, FSV need to be far more efficient in front of the opposition goal than they were against Freiburg. “If there’s an opportunity to shoot, we need to get an effort off at goal,” Mainz’s head coach stressed. “Otherwise, you don’t win games.” The existing pressure in the relegation battle will certainly play a role. “However, it is important that we’re getting into these situations. It would be worse if we weren’t having any shots.” It’s only a matter of time until the goals return. 

The training week 

Shooting wasn’t just an important part of the sessions at WOLFGANG FRANK CAMPUS at Bruchweg this week. “Shooting is always part of the training plan,” Siewert explained. This is alongside further issues related to the principles of Mainz’s game and “the way we want to play and perform”. These are things that require constant repetition and are always adapted to each opponent. “Köln will offer us different spaces to get into promising positions than Freiburg did.” It’s of immense importance that this happens frequently. “We have to work on our routine and consistency when it comes to shooting, just like a pianist who plays his keyboard over and over again.”

The squad

As was the case against Freiburg, FSV will also have to do without Edimilson Fernandes in Köln. There’s also a question over whether first-choice goalkeeper Robin Zentner, who was replaced by Daniel Batz against SCF, will be able to play. “We’re seeing how his hand reacts on a daily basis.” Karim Onisiwo is on the mend following a minor infection, whilst the squad from the match against SCF remains otherwise unchanged. Long-term absentees Nelson Weiper, Maxim Leitsch, Andreas Hanche-Olsen and Josuha Guilavogui are continuing to work towards making a comeback.

Jonathan Burkardt has already managed that following his long-term absence and he’s been able to pick up minutes in the last two games. He’s getting better every day from a physical standpoint. Following such a lengthy injury, Siewert explained that it’s necessary to take it easy with the striker until he’s an option for the starting eleven. “He’s heading in the right direction every week.”

The opposition

Intensity: One word is sufficient to describe the upcoming opposition’s approach. 1. FC Köln are normally as lively on the pitch as their head coach Steffen Baumgart is on the touchline. “They attack with a lot of pace and have a good structure, especially in terms of the way they want to do things in possession,” added Siewert, who also envisages a substantial challenge for his team. FC often try to attack down the flanks in order to feed their striker Davie Selke in the penalty area. Köln have put in more crosses from open play than any other team in the Bundesliga (184).