“Like Brazil 2014”
FSV Mainz just wants to dig in after the 1:8 debacle
March 10, 2024, 11:24 a.m
The second-highest defeat in its Bundesliga history hurts FSV Mainz 05 very much. Sports director Schmidt speaks of “a waddle”. At FSV, which is threatened with relegation, gallows humor reigns. League membership next year will almost certainly be decided in the next few games.
The social media department of FSV Mainz 05 tried a little humor in the midst of the sporting abrasion. “This is how Brazil must have felt,” wrote those responsible after Rheinhessen conceded a 7-1 goal at FC Bayern Munich – this was the result that hosts Brazil faced against the German national team in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals.
Mainz even had to accept an eighth goal on Saturday. The 1:8 was the second-highest defeat in the 05er’s Bundesliga history. “We were too courageous, perhaps even overconfident at times. So we clearly got screwed,” said sports director Martin Schmidt. “Now we have not only lost three points, but the goal difference has also clearly deteriorated.” Mainz only lost higher in the Bundesliga in the 8-0 defeat against RB Leipzig on November 2nd, 2019.
“Hardly anyone can be spoken to on the bus”
Schmidt was particularly bothered by the fact that Mainz did not do any damage limitation after the first half. “It was a lesson in how you shouldn’t act here. If you’ve conceded three or four goals, you have to stand a little deeper as a team and find compactness. There was nothing that could be done today. I think hardly anyone will be approachable on the bus “This result hurts,” said the sports director.
Harry Kane (13th/45th+7/70th minute), Leon Goretzka (19th/90th+2), Thomas Müller (47th), Jamal Musiala (61st) and Serge Gnabry (66th) had them Let Bayern fans cheer a lot. The remarkable free kick goal to make it 1:2 by Mainz’s Nadiem Amiri (31′) was almost lost in the flood of goals.
The deficit of table 17th. on the relegation rank and 1. FC Köln is now two points. Only the last team, Darmstadt, has a worse goal difference than Mainz. These three clubs seem to be fighting for the two direct relegation places and the relegation place between themselves. “It’s no use having this game in your head for longer than necessary. After the season we can talk about it again. Starting tomorrow the focus is on Bochum, we won’t think about anything else,” said goalkeeper Robin Zentner.
Tough opening program for Henriksen
Bochum, Leipzig and Darmstadt are the upcoming tasks for Mainz. “Together we are still fighting to stay in the league, we still have many finals ahead of us. We have to get the necessary points in the coming games,” said coach Bo Henriksen. The Dane, who succeeded the unsuccessful Jan Siewert in February, has scored four points in his four games as head coach – but also had the difficult away games in Leverkusen (1:2) and now in Munich on the agenda.
At least Mainz were able to give the all-clear after the shocking moment surrounding Josuha Guilavogui’s head injury. A concussion is suspected, but Guilavogui says he is doing well, Schmidt said. The Frenchman should be examined further after his return.
The Mainz professional remained motionless on the ground in the first half in Munich after colliding with teammate Anthony Caci’s knee. Referee Patrick Ittrich was quickly on hand to help, as were several Mainz professionals. “Recovery position and tongue out,” said Ittrich. “Everyone should take a first aid course.” In such a situation it is important to act quickly.