Bundesliga, 26. August 2018
Tayfun Korkut: "In the first-half, we started the game well. We knew to expect a great deal of emotion and vehemence here – however, we held our own well in the first half-hour and were generally in control of Mainz. The few chances they did have we would have to put down to our own failings. The second-half was just trudging along, until the moment that Mainz pounced ruthlessly. Towards the end, there was a great deal of fire in the tie, which made it very difficult to hit back. If we had taken the lead in the first-half through Christian Gentner or Nicolás Gonzalez, then the match would have developed very differently. Although we haven’t started the season ideally, we are now looking ahead. Our complete focus is now on our first home game."
Christian Gentner: "We were well prepared for this away game and got into the match better than Mainz. During that early phase, we could also have gone in front. We then lost our stride somewhat, although without Mainz creating any real pressure or clear chances on goal. In such a tight game, it’s often the minor details that make the difference. We will intensively analyse this match, remain calm, continue to work hard and prepare meticulously for our first home game."
Ron-Robert Zieler: "We were well aware that it would be a very tough opener in Mainz. Although we were well prepared and got into the game well, it wasn’t the start to the campaign that we had been hoping for. On the whole, it was a scrappy game from both sides and looked destined to be a typical draw. One lapse in concentration was then enough to cost us the point that we should have taken from this game."