“Happy” is how Armindo Sieb described himself after scoring his first goals in a Mainz shirt. The FSV attacker enjoyed success in both Augsburg and St. Pauli and has scored twice already this season. His goals are not only important for Sieb personally. “I can both help the team with my goals and also feel more confident for the rest of the game. I have more motivation then to score for a second time and of course being able to celebrate the goal together with the fans is great too,” said the 21-year-old about his first goals in Mainz colours.
The 3-0 win at St. Pauli did not only mean the 05er could celebrate a successful outing with the team but, thanks to his goal, it was also a good evening for Sieb individually. “We didn’t create too many chances, but we capitalised on those we did have to get the goals. It wasn’t our best game, but we defended well and kept the clean sheet,” analysed Sieb with regard to the match in Hamburg.
“A chance to show what we can do”
The international break then immediately followed that win on the road, during which the Mainz training sessions saw a rather thinned-out group of players, with Sieb among them. He has overcome his disappointment however at being excluded from the Germany U21 national squad this time around. “It’s always an honour to play for your country and to be called up to the national team. Of course I was initially sad that I wasn’t picked, but I’ve put that behind me now, instead focusing on working hard in training to prove that I’m ready for the game at the weekend and want to play.” Jonathan Burkardt’s first call-up to the senior Germany national team serves an even greater incentive for Sieb to one day accomplish the same feat as his teammate. “Jonny is a great player. I admire him for how hard he works on himself and how determined he is. You can see that pay off when he plays meaning his nomination was so deserved,” said the forward, praising his teammate’s performances.
Sieb made it clear, though, that a week without playing has not detracted from the intensity in training. “During these breaks in action, the focus increases on those players remaining in Mainz. This period offers us a chance to show what we can do and give a good account of ourselves for getting minutes on the pitch.” According to the 05er, the mood in camp is nothing but positive right now. “We have a great squad that always has a lot of fun in training, while remaining concentrated as a group, even when some of the lads are away on international duty. That’s why mood in camp is so good right now.”
“Efficiency, togetherness and possession”
The Mainz player feels well prepared for the upcoming match against Leipzig on Saturday (kick-off 15.30 CEST). “We have to maintain the same level of efficiency as we showed at St. Pauli. More togetherness and a little more possession will set us up well in the next game.” However, Leipzig are a team with enormous quality. “The fact alone that they’re playing in the Champions League says a lot. Leipzig have a terrific number of good players who are both robust in tackling and quick on the ground. They want to have the ball and be direct in their approach play in order to get in front of the opposing goal. That’s what we need to be prepared for,” said Sieb, analysing the next opponents’ capabilities while also emphasising the need to capitalise on their weaknesses.
The attacker, who made his Bundesliga debut for FSV after a summer transfer, wants to play his part at the weekend. His previous match experience came in the German second division, spending two years in the ranks of Greuther Fürth. However, Sieb has seemingly not found the transition to top-flight football too taxing. “Of course, the pace in the Bundesliga is faster and both your teammates and opponents play with more quality. Minutes on the pitch at the highest level are what are going to help me more than anything, and I think I’ve settled into the league well now,” Sieb reported on his first few months playing in the Bundesliga.
Harmony is key
The 21-year-old is also very happy in his new home. “I’ve settled in really well in Mainz and have almost finished furnishing my flat. I’ve also been able to explore the city itself to a great extent, coming across lots of lovely places. It’s somewhat quiet in Mainz, but that suits me well.” Sieb has also found his place in the team. “The team gave me such a great welcome and helped to integrate me. Of course, there are one or two teammates that I get on particularly well with which is also important for my football. I believe that when we get on well with each other, we harmonise better as a team on the pitch.”
Sieb emphasised that the support of the home fans at the MEWA ARENA will provide an extra boost of energy, as ever. “We are always pleased to have the support of the fans behind us and it’s obviously better if we can celebrate a win together. They have definitely earned that.” Hopefully at around 17:30 CEST on Saturday that will have finally just been achieved once more.