VfB go in search of another three points when they take on Mainz at home at 20:30 CET on Friday. “The team has shown good energy on the pitch in training,” head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo said ahead of the game. “They showed the right reaction against Dortmund last time out after disappointing games against Augsburg and Bielefeld. That was a positive sign. The players have shown that they believe in themselves and are adopting a solution-oriented approach. We’re looking ahead with positivity. I’m confident we can show similar energy and performance levels against Mainz compared to last time. If we manage to do that, we’ll achieve our objectives.”
“Power, pace and adventure”
Upcoming opponents Mainz also tend to play with a great deal of energy, passion and intensity. The visitors have collected 18 points from their opening 12 Bundesliga games and are currently on a four-match unbeaten run in the league. “Mainz are a team who are compact, defensive-minded and attack with a lot of power, pace and adventure after winning the ball,” said Matarazzo.
Team news
Omar Marmoush, Silas Katompa Mvumpa and Chris Führich are available for VfB, but Marc Oliver Kempf, Naouirou Ahamada and Erik Thommy will definitely miss the Matchday 13 encounter.