Earlier this season Bremen came from behind to win in Mainz. The 05ers took the lead in the third minute but Franco Di Santo's brace turned the game around...
Earlier this season Bremen came from behind to win in Mainz. The 05ers took the lead in the third minute but Franco Di Santo's brace turned the game around...
Earlier this season Bremen came from behind to win in Mainz. The 05ers took the lead in the third minute but Franco Di Santo's brace turned the game around. At the time the sides were at opposite ends of the table but they are now both battling in the middle of the table. Ahead of Saturday's return game WERDER.DE spoke to Mainz midfielder Johannes Geis about the parallels between the sides and Saturday's game.

WERDER.DE: Bremen turned the game around to grab a surprising first victory of the season last time out. What do you remember about the game?
Johannes Geis: "Nothing positive! We were the better side but should have consolidated our lead. We conceded shortly before and after the break. It was a surprise for both sides. Bremen fought hard for the goals. It was an avoidable defeat from our point of a few but a key victory for Werder."
WERDER.DE: Things have changed for both teams since then. Both teams have been challenging for Europe but also fighting the drop. How tight and dangerous is the Bundesliga currently?
Johannes Geis: "There are two or three top teams; five or six challenge for Europe and the rest of us are fighting to ensure we don't get caught up in the relegation dogfight. This means it's always difficult for teams like ourselves - we have to have realistic aims."

WERDER.DE: Both teams have promoted their U23 managers to the senior post this season. How would you describe Martin Schmidt?
Johannes Geis: "I don't really want to talk about him as a person. A lot of us knew him already, which was beneficial. He's a more animated and sprightly coach than his predecessor."
WERDER.DE: Has the style of play changed under his stewardship?
Johannes Geis: "Martin Schmidt has allowed us to play aggressively again and we're focussing on counterattacking once more. We're playing more like we were doing last season."
WERDER.DE: The earlier meeting was exciting - how do you see Saturday playing out?
Johannes Geis: "Werder have the same principles as us. They are really strong at home under Viktor Skripnik. It's going to be a keenly fought, action packed and tough game."
