The catch-up game against Union Berlin is almost a relegation final for FSV Mainz 05, who are in serious trouble. The “Iron Ones”, on the other hand, can make a big step.
One win in 19 Bundesliga games, six points behind the saving bank, 17th place in the table and no three points for nine games: the bare numbers for FSV Mainz 05 read from sobering to frightening.
Yes, the season is still long. And yet the catch-up game against Union Berlin already has the character of a final for Rheinhessen (live today from 6:20 p.m. in the radio report and in the live ticker at the Sportschau).
Mainz wants to “have a solution for Union”
“We will have a solution for Union again,” said coach Jan Siewert with a view to the game against the 15th place in the table. on Wednesday. “I will transform this anger that I currently have within me into courage.”
The 41-year-old’s anger stems from the avoidable home defeat against a beatable SV Werder Bremen on Saturday. For Siewert, the dismal 0-1 was the tenth game without a win in his eleven-game career as a Bundesliga coach.
Mainz coach Siewert still has support
Shortly before the start of the carnival days in the stronghold of cheerfulness, the FSV coach currently has little to smile about, but at least he still enjoys the backing of those in charge.
The view that there is currently not much more to be gained from the Mainz team, which the former successful coach Bo Svensson failed, also seems to prevail among sports director Martin Schmidt – and yet Siewert will need results sooner or later.
Relegation rank is the goal
Meanwhile, the goals in the relegation battle are becoming more and more modest. “At the moment” it’s all about the relegation place, Schmidt made it clear. Mainz are separated from 1. FC Köln in 16th place by four points before the catch-up game against Union.
For their part, the people of Köpenick want to do everything they can to take a big step out of the basement. Union is only two points ahead of the lurking Cologne team. A win in Mainz would mean nine points to FSV in 17th place.
Union continues without coach Bjelica
In Mainz, Union not only has to do without coach Nenad Bjelica, who is still suspended, but also red-sinner Christopher Trimmel. “He will definitely be missed, he has shown very good performances recently,” said assistant coach Marie-Louise Eta after the 2-0 defeat in Leipzig.
2024-02-07 16:23:11
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