Ginter Aims to Climb Rankings with Steady Progress
The SC Freiburg, after a goalless draw with Viktoria Pilsen in the Europa League, is preparing for a challenging Bundesliga match against FSV Mainz 05. The game is scheduled for Sunday at 19:30. Matthias Ginter anticipates a contest filled with physically demanding long balls and intense battles.
Team Preparation and Conditioning
After their return from Czechia late Thursday night, Freiburg had a brief training session. Coach Julian Schuster noted that the players are familiar with the routine. “We have a certain routine; the boys know the processes,” he remarked. Individual assessments will determine player workloads leading up to the Mainz match.
Ginter acknowledged the physical toll of the previous match. “It costs energy, and you can see it in the players,” he said. The team must manage their stamina, especially as they prepare for another rigorous game.
Injury Updates
Jordy Makengo, Max Rosenfelder, and Eren Dinkci, who missed the trip to Pilsen due to minor injuries, could return to the squad. Schuster emphasized the importance of rotation among players as they juggle various competitions. He noted that Mainz has also utilized squad rotation.
Assessing Mainz’s Situation
Despite Mainz’s recent struggles, including a 1-0 loss in the Conference League and multiple key injuries, Schuster urges caution. “That has never helped us,” he stated. He views the match in Pilsen as an ideal preparation for facing the power play expected from Mainz.
Freiburg’s Goals and Strategies
Ginter expressed confidence in the team’s aspirations. “We want to accumulate points we’ve lost over the past weeks,” he stated. While Freiburg’s performance in the Bundesliga has not met expectations, they remain focused on improvement. “We aim to climb the rankings steadily,” he added.
Reflecting on the loss against Bayern Munich, Ginter believes the Mainz encounter will resemble the match in Pilsen. He emphasized the need for discipline in both offensive moments and defensive vigilance.
Previous Encounters and Expectations
Freiburg’s last home match against Mainz ended in a 0-0 draw, marking the first time they failed to score at home against this opponent in a year. Furthermore, six of the last eight matches between the teams have also ended without a winner. Their last encounter saw Freiburg lose 1-0 in Mainz under empty stadium conditions in March 2021.
Conclusion
As SC Freiburg gears up for its fixture against FSV Mainz, maintaining composure and patience will be critical. Given the nature of previous matchups, both teams are expected to engage in a tough battle for dominance on the pitch.
