FIRST TEAM
09/30/2010

1899 in Mainz: Showcase at the summit

The team of trainer Ralf Rangnick are in for a top match during Matchday 7 in the Bundesliga. 1899 Hoffenheim are travelling to top of the table FSV Mainz 05 who have played 6 and won 6 so far this season. The men from Kraichgau, however, are not too far behind and sitting in 4th sport with 11 points to their name already means they are "right on target".

There is only one team that German football is talking about right now - Mainz 05. They have taken the league by storm with some impressive attacking football and have the bull by the horns this season. Their impressive form is reminiscent of the 2008/09 season when 1899 were the team everyone was talking about. Therein, however, lies a potential advantage for Rangnick's men over the other Bundesliga teams. Hoffenheim know the situation Mainz are in, having had a similar start two season ago, not to mention the same "defend from the front" philosophy and style of play that is just as important to Rangnick: "If we don't know how Mainz play, then who will?". Rangnick was no the only person to comment on Mainz's fortunes, Tom Starke, Hoffenheim's number 1 had this to say on the subject: "Mainz are in incredible form and alongside Dortmund are the team of the hour. Every run has to come to and end at some point, though. What's to stop it coming to an end against us?" Hoffenheim, however, were not the only ones to notice the similarities: "Hoffenheim have a similar mentality and similar principles. They are willing to run, are willing to play the ball and are quick on the attack. They defend very well without the ball and I'd imagine the match will be played at a high tempo", stated Mainz manager, Thomas Tuchel.

"Mainz have quality"

No one is taking Mainz for granted, especially not the Hoffenheim staff, who are fully aware of their strength. "Mainz are incredibly efficient and consistently clinical. They often only need one chance to score a goal and decide the match", explained Rangnick. Their efforts thus far have earned them a lot of respect, but the 52-year old is not surprised. "It's no coincidence that they won away from home against Bayern and Bremen, not to mention the 0:3 win in Wolfsburg. That already says something about the quality of the team". Add to that the fact that Mainz have also won their three home games this season. "We want to make it as difficult as possible for Mainz to land their 7th win in 7", that is the goal for Rangnick and his team.
Not an easy task considering Hoffenheim have demonstrated a few defensive frailties in recent matches. Technical, tactical and individual mistakes have crept into 1899's play and improvements need to be made when they are not in possession of the ball. If Rangnick will revert back to the 4-3-3 formation, is something the trainer was unwilling to discuss. The fact remains, though, that Hoffenheim have been most successful when playing in that formation. "4-3-3 fits to Hoffenheim. When we have three strikers who are fully fit, we will play with a three pronged attack." Peniel Mlapa, who filled one of the three attacking roles during the first four matches, played down the talk about formations: "It's doesn't matter to me if we play with 1, 2 or 3 strikers. What's important is to win."

Rangnick set to make changes

Following weeks of not having to worry about any new injuries, Rangnick will most certainly have to make changes against Mainz. Sebastian Rudy is out of contention after complaining about calf problems, while uestion marks still remain about Boris Vukcevic and Andreas Beck. The captain took a hit to the knee during the week, while Vukcevic was unable to train after coming down with the flu. Other than that everyone is on board and will make the trip to the league leaders. Tom Starke, despite Mainz's incredible start to the season, had this to say about the trip: "It's actually nice to travel and play against the current top team. Assuming the role of underdogs, whilst knowing what we are capable of beating anyone in the league, is a good situation to be in. At the end of the day we want to travel to Mainz and end their run of good form."

Stats and Facts

Mainz 05 have the best record in the league after 6 matches. With a 7th win Tuchel's team would equal FC Bayern München and 1. FC Kaiserslautern for the best start to a Bundesliga season ever. Looking back at previous meetings with Hoffenheim the chances of another win are not looking bad. These two teams have met twice in the Bundesliga and both times 05 have taken the 3 points (2:1 and 1:0). Chances are, though, that both the Mainz and Hoffenheim fans will have a chance to celebrate. The league leaders have scored 14 goals so far, only less than Dortmund who have scored 16, while Hoffenheim have scored in their last 10 matches - currently the longest run in the Bundesliga.

 

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