“My aim is definitely to score 10 goals this season”

1. FSV Mainz 05’s six-game unbeaten run in the Bundesliga came to an end last Sunday and attacking midfielder Paul Nebel had one overriding emotion after the final whistle: “We were extremely disappointed because we were desperate to get the win,” said the 22-year-old on the defeat, who thought the 05ers at least improved after the break. “I don’t think it was a bad performance overall. We had lots of good moments, particularly in the second half. The game showed us that we have to play at a certain intensity from the first minute and be ready to get stuck in.” Matchday 27’s loss also provided another learning: “Just knocking the ball about nicely amongst ourselves isn’t enough. We know we can beat and lose to every opponent. We always have to give our all, otherwise we’ll find picking up points difficult,” stated Nebel.

A late consolation

The table had a somewhat unusual look to it before the clash between BVB and FSV – the hosts from Dortmund were only on 35 points in 11th place, 10 points behind Mainz who started the matchday in third position. Nebel doesn’t feel that it had a huge impact on the 05ers going into the game: “We perhaps went into the match with too much confidence but I don’t think we underestimated BVB. We were in the game more after the break and we can take positives from the second half,” said the attacking midfielder, who pulled a goal back for the away team to give them some hope late on. “I think our reaction after the goal showed that we still believed. We immediately got the ball and sprinted back to restart the game. We had more control of proceedings at that point and obviously then tried to get something from the game, but unfortunately we couldn’t do so in the end.” While the defeat in Dortmund certainly wasn’t the end of the world for FSV, it did see them slip down to fourth place in the table. “When you are as high as we currently are in the table, you obviously want to do all you can to stay there,” demanded Nebel.

The 22-year-old’s goal in Dortmund came somewhat out of nowhere and thanks to his quick reactions. A loose ball in the box suddenly sat up for him and he took the chance. “Finishing and scoring goals has been something that I’ve wanted to improve on over the past few years. I’ve worked a lot recently with video analysts on things like making better runs in order to get more chances to score. I’m naturally pleased that this work is now paying off,” said Nebel after his eighth goal of the season. “I’m hoping I can pop up with the odd goal or two in the coming weeks – my aim is definitely to score 10 goals this season.”

“It’s always great to see the rest of the lads”

The Bad Nauheim native will approach the final few weeks of the season with confidence, even after Sunday’s defeat. The midfielder recently enjoyed success on international duty with Germany U21s. Although he wasn’t on the scoresheet, he recorded an assist and was involved in the build-up of another goal in the victory over Spain. The Mainz academy product reported that he always enjoys representing his country. “It’s always great to see the rest of the lads and go away with the group. I’ve known a few of the guys for years now because we’ve been playing together since we were 15. We have a great team spirit and play excellent football. Winning games together then makes it even more special.” Other players in the recent Germany U21 squad included his FSV teammate Nelly Weiper, as well as VfB Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade and former 05er Brajan Gruda. Different advice and coaches can also be beneficial, according to Nebel. “I can always learn something from being on international duty, particularly because of the different systems and formations we play. Although that then means I have to readjust a little bit when I’m back in Mainz, the tips and advice are always really useful, so I always look forward to meeting up with the national team.”

The Storks in town

Nebel and FSV’s focus has now switched to Saturday's home game against Holstein Kiel at a sold-out MEWA Arena (15:30 CEST). “I expect it to be a different kind of game to the Dortmund one. We will probably have more of the ball and will need to have more ideas of what to do with it against a team sitting back against us,” commented the midfielder. “Kiel are in a relegation battle, so they will try their hardest and will look to take any opportunity they are given. We have to be prepared for that and need to improve on the things we didn’t do well against Dortmund. I’m confident we’ll do that.”