As a unit for success
His team has taken this form with them into the current season. As ninth, Mainz is one of the surprises, will have nothing to do with the relegation battle and is only three points behind the international places. And the main reason for this success of the Svensson team is quickly apparent: the defensive.
Mainz has only conceded 24 goals and thus fewer than all other teams in the league. What does it take? Meticulous work in everyday life and a strong team spirit. “We tinkered a lot and trained the tools we needsaid Svensson.We can only survive as a team. For this, everyone needs an understanding of the processes.“
In Mainz, everyone can rely on each other when it comes to defensive work – and in dire need there is also a keeper in goal with Robin Zentner, who is also having a strong season.
The best-formed team in the league is a guest
The Mainz back line faces a particularly big challenge on Friday. With Bayer Leverkusen not only the best second half team in the Bundesliga, but also the second best offensive guest.
58 goals scored is even the best value in the club’s history after 22 games. Coach’s team has scored in the last three games alone Gerardo Seoane 14 hits.
The problem for the opponents: Leverkusen have a variety of offensive powers that can sometimes decide the game on their own. Although top scorer Patrik Schick (19 goals this season) had a bit of a jam recently, the Bayer Express overran the opposing defenses.
Diaby and Wirtz in brilliant form
Above all Moussa Diaby (five goals in the last three games) has excelled recently, and Florian Wirtz has been convincing as a free spirit on the offensive throughout the season.
“What Florian achieves week after week never ceases to amaze us,” said Seoane. “He has immense technical quality. Above all, his mental state, his ambition and his hunger distinguish him, especially in difficult games.“
Similar approach as in Mainz
What has fundamentally changed at Leverkusen is efficiency. While the Bayer pros have failed time and again in recent years, they have now become more callous, especially in front of goal. “Confidence is also an important point. This also helps in exploiting opportunities“said Seaane.
And Leverkusen have a lot of that self-confidence. Not only because of the successes, but because the Swiss, who took over as coach last summer, “insoculates” them in their daily work. Seoane is an advocate of the idea that only a functioning collective can be successful.
On this point, Svensson and Seoane agree. So which approach will prevail? That of defending together or that of storming together.