05 interim coach searches for solutions to injury plight
The list of injured players at FSV Mainz 05 is long, but no reason for interim coach Jan Siewert to complain. "We have to make a virtue out of necessity," he said ahead of Sunday's Bundesliga match (17:30/DAZN) at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. "Of course, the personnel situation is not ideal. But I'm not the type to react with worry. Our task is to find solutions." Only the three central defenders Sepp van den Berg, Andreas Hanche-Olsen and Maxim Leitsch are out.
There is also still a small question mark over the involvement of regular goalkeeper Robin Zentner, who did not take part in team training during the international break due to muscular problems. "But he should be fine for Sunday," said Siewert.
Following the resignation of his predecessor Bo Svensson, the former U23 coach will be on the sidelines with the professionals for the third time. With him in charge, Mainz, who are in a relegation battle, achieved their first win of the season against RB Leipzig (2-0) and a goalless draw at Darmstadt 98. He continues to refuse to answer questions about his future: "I don't want to talk about my future so that I don't lose focus on the Hoffenheim game.
In terms of personnel, however, there is also some positive news. Striker Jonathan Burkhardt is ready to return after a one-year break. "Jonny is a candidate for the squad. We'll have to see whether it's enough for the first few minutes," said Siewert. Captain Silvan Widmer could even start from the beginning after another long break. "Silvan is much further along than he was a few weeks ago. He would be ready for the starting eleven by now."
Despite the injury woes, FSV Mainz 05's interim coach Jan Siewert is determined to make the best of the situation ahead of their Bundesliga clash against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. Despite the absence of key players like Sepp van den Berg, Andreas Hanche-Olsen, Maxim Leitsch, and potentially Robin Zentner, Siewert and Mainz have shown resilience, securing a victory against RB Leipzig and a draw at Darmstadt 98. In a positive development, striker Jonathan Burkhardt, who has been out for a year, and captain Silvan Widmer, returning from a prolonged break, are both close to returning to action, providing a boost for FSV Mainz 05 in their Bundesliga campaign.
Source: www.dpa.com
