Right place, right time

1. FSV MAINZ 05 2-0 FC ST. PAULI

Niko Bungert: “That was a tough one today because St. Pauli delivered a really strong performance. We knew that it would be tricky to break down their defence but they were also really impressive in possession. The first half didn’t go to plan for us and we found life hard off the ball. St. Pauli were able to play through our press pretty easily. We found the right words to instil a bit more encouragement and belief at half-time. However, we were fortunate in the way we went ahead, given a helping hand from the goalkeeper but at the same time we worked for this win so can’t feel as if it wasn’t deserved. We were there in the right place at the right time when it mattered and that says a lot about the maturity of this team as well as the progress the players have made. We had to work hard today and we got a bit lucky but we’re more than happy to come away with three points.”

Robin Zentner: “It was tough going in the first half and didn’t go as we had envisioned. We didn’t give it enough both in defence and in possession. We also weren’t clever enough tactically and the intensity in our tackles was lacking in order to put the opponent under some pressure. That’s what made it really pleasing to be able to take the lead in the second half after an improved performance. Great that we could then see it out. It’s important to be patient and wait for the right moments.”

Paul Nebel: “I hoped at half-time that we could change the pattern of things. We didn’t play well in the first half so during the break we clearly set out what we needed to do better. We didn’t start well in terms of tactics and sharpness, which makes winning 2-0 all the more enjoyable. We did better in the second half and you have to earn your luck. We really worked hard and that’s what won it for us today, even if it wasn’t our best display of footballing quality. We upped the aggression in our tackles and then took our chances when they arrived.”