Disappointing play seems to be the moniker for die Königsblauen year as hopes for the DFB-Pokal were dashed as they lost 1-0 to FSV Mainz.Credit is due to Mainz, destined it appears for promotion with Jørn Andersen's tactical plan deployed to perfection. Following the match the Mainz manager commented:
"We were very mobile and closed down the space well. Schalke are a top side with lots of quality. But we restricted them to just a few opportunities. Our aim was to keep it at 0-0 for as long as possible and wait for our chance."
With a lead striking group of Vicente Sánchez, Jefferson Farfán and Kevin Kurányi, Fred Rutten's side lacked any attacking zeal. Not pleased with Orlando Engelaar and Kevin Kurányi's first half performance, Mladen Krstajić and Halil Altıntop were introduced at the break with the manager saying of their play:
"I wasn't happy with Kevin's display today, or with Orlando's. That's why I made the changes."
After displaying a firm tactical plan that kept die Königsblauen pinned down with total commitment in the midfield, the home side gradually took more chances. While limiting all of the oppositions advances after the re-start, the final twenty minutes of the match was owned my Mainz. Finally with two minutes remaining former Bayern Munich reserve Florian Heller struck a free-kick into the area and an unmarked Aristide Bancé drilled the ball behind for Manuel Neuer for the victory.
Following the match Fred Rutten noted the team will need to adjust their mindset quickly ahead of Friday's match against Köln:
"The players will need to have put this defeat behind them by then. "That's the reality."
Photo Credit: firo sportphoto
