Bo Svensson has high expectations of his football professionals and the style of play at FSV Mainz 05. But after the first home win of the season, even the critical head coach had nothing to complain about – only praise.
“I was happy and enjoyed the performance we put in,” said the Dane after the 5-0 (3-0) win over 1. FC Köln. The thrashing was the brilliant finale of a perfect English week with two previous wins at Werder Bremen (2-0) and in the cup at VfB Lübeck (3-0). Above all, the way they played against Cologne was impressive. “The team has returned to the virtues and is aware of what we need to be successful in the Bundesliga,” said Svensson.
For him, this united and determined team performance is the key to constant success. “That secures our identity, the points and the victories in the long term,” he emphasized, adding urgently: “But there is no formula for it. You have to live it.”
Now it’s off to Bayern
Will this be possible with the self-confidence after three wins in a row at FC Bayern Munich on Saturday? “We’ll see. Bayern aren’t that bad, no matter how good we are,” said Svensson. “But it’s a great opportunity to play against one of the best teams in the world.”
As one of the three best teams in the league, Mainz could feel at least for one night as third in the table with at least 18 points. Even if it was just a snapshot, striker Karim Onisiwo believes nothing is impossible. “In Mainz, the goal is first of all to stay up, but if you quickly get over 20 points, you can orientate yourself upwards,” he said. “I think we don’t have to make ourselves small.”
The Austrian national player, who was involved in almost every game-decisive scene and action, did not want to do this after an outstanding performance, also in relation to his person. “Super awesome. That was one of my better games this season. I twirled a lot up front,” Onisiwo said of his starring role in a “nice festival of football.”
The double fault by Cologne’s Luca Kilian was also decisive for the game. First he caused a penalty by fouling Onisiwo, which Marcus Ingvartsen (11th minute) converted to take the lead, then he attacked Onisiwo (28th) a second time and had to leave the field after a yellow-red card. The hosts then used the majority game to score another four goals through Dominik Kohr (35′), Anton Stach (40′), Aaron (73′) and Onisiwo (83′). “Of course, the yellow-red card was a can opener, but then we played it down seriously and deserved to win at altitude,” said midfielder Kohr.
Stach hopes for a chance at the World Cup
“It was the perfect end to the English week. We won big and kept a clean sheet at the same time,” Stach summed up. “It doesn’t get any better than that.” For himself, the national player hopes that his chances of participating in the World Cup will increase thanks to the Mainz high. “I still think I have chances,” said the 23-year-old midfielder, who recommended himself to national coach Hansi Flick, who was sitting in the stands, with a strong performance.
Sports director Martin Schmidt was also very satisfied with the performance of the Rheinhessen, who spoke of a “perfect performance”. The rise in the table for one night to a Champions League place was irrelevant for him. “The table is something for the fans and for dreams, but not for us officials,” said the Swiss.
