“Cement our place near the top” | OneFootball

Head coach Dino Toppmöller on Mainz’s style of play, Chaibi and Skhiri, and “turning anger into positive energy”.

Dino Toppmöller on ...

... opponents 1. FSV Mainz 05: “We’re facing opponents who are very proactive. They’re a team who press and counter-press a lot, and always get themselves high up the pitch. We not only need to play well going forward but also have to keep Mainz under control and make sure we have good defensive cover. We want to put our stamp on the game.”

... AFCON returnees Ellyes Skhiri and Farès Chaibi: “Farès Chaibi and Ellyes Skhiri are landing in Frankfurt this evening. It’s not just about physical fitness, but mental fitness too. They’re obviously in contention for a place in the squad, though.”

... personnel: “In terms of personnel, things are looking very good. There were 22 players in training today. Collins, Baum and Nacho Ferri will play for our U21 this weekend. We’re still deciding on our final matchday squad.”

... Sebastian Rode: “He’s not in contention for a starting berth yet. He needs to get back into a healthy training rhythm first. We need to take things one step at a time. It shouldn’t take too much longer.”

... Eintracht’s form: “We’ve started well after the winter break with four points from two games. It could have been six, but we want to turn our anger into positive energy and bring that onto the pitch on Friday. That’s what we’re fully focused on. We’re desperate to put in a good performance and see this as an opportunity to cement our place near the top. We see ourselves as favourites and want to live up to that role.”

... Ansgar Knauff: “He’s in very good form at the moment. He’s scored five league goals this season, he’s full of confidence and has discovered a hunger in his defensive work, transitional play and threat in front of goal. Confidence is a big factor.”

... Tuta: “He’s very important for us because he’s not only a quality defender, but composed on the ball and normally finds the right solutions. We have huge confidence in him.”