Mainz: a strong opponent!

Adam Szalai (middle) is Mainz’s top goal scorer after scoring a hat-trick against Hoffenheim. Will he score in Bremen as well?
First Team
Friday, 02.11.2012 / 14:42

FSV Mainz 05 had a difficult start to the season, losing three of their first five matches. Since then, Werder's next opponent on Sunday in Weser Stadium (kick-off at 5:30 p.m.) have won four of their last five matches, including a 2-0 victory over...

FSV Mainz 05 had a difficult start to the season, losing three of their first five matches. Since then, Werder's next opponent on Sunday in Weser Stadium (kick-off at 5:30 p.m.) have won four of their last five matches, including a 2-0 victory over Aue in the German DFB Cup. And the results send a clear message - namely that Mainz are back again, and just as strong and stable as ever.

Long-term goal: Regular in the top flight

"We want to establish ourselves in the league," said head coach Thomas Tuchel about the season's goal. It's a goal that Mainz have more or less already achieved. Mainz were promoted to the first division for the first time in 2004 with Jürgen Klopp as head coach. They were in the Bundesliga for three years before dropping to the second division in 2007. After just two seasons, Mainz were back in the Bundesliga.

Ivan Klasnic won the championship and cup in 2004 with Werder. Now he returns to Weser Stadium for the first time – though he will be in the stands injured.

Third-best defence in the league

Going into the match at Werder, Tuchel's team is sixth in the league - five spots ahead of Thomas Schaaf's team, which is 11th. The team is hungry and is showing that on the pitch. The Werder coach has registered that. "It will certainly be a difficult task for us because Mainz are playing successful football. The team plays well and holds the ball well up front and are very compact in the back," said Schaaf Friday afternoon at the official press conference. Mainz are especially strong on defence with just 10 goals conceded. Only Bayern Munich (4) and Schalke (8) have allowed fewer. "It's very difficult to score goals against us," said Tuchel.

End Mainz's streak

On offence, Adam Szalai is a dangerous attacker who has scored seven goals in nine matches. He collected a hat-trick against Hoffenheim. Mainz won their last two games in Bremen - 2-0 and 3-0. Schaaf hopes to ends Mainz's streak in Bremen. "We go into the match as favorites because we are playing at home and are confident of our team. We know the quality of Mainz but are only looking at ourselves," said Schaaf.

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