Mainz Coach Urs Fischer Balances Team Age Debate Ahead of Schalke Match

Urs Fischer, coach of Bundesliga side FSV Mainz 05, addressed the ongoing debate over his team's age composition ahead of their upcoming match against FC Schalke 04. Fischer humorously noted that last season Mainz was criticized for having an "old" squad, while this season they are now viewed as "too young." Despite this, he stressed the importance of focusing on performance without making excuses.

Defensively, Mainz has struggled recently, conceding ten goals in their last three Bundesliga games, including a narrow 3-4 defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. Fischer highlighted the need to better protect their goal going forward, especially since Mainz remains winless at home but has won all their away matches this season, including at Schalke's home ground where Schalke has struggled with two goalless draws. The coach sees the match in Gelsenkirchen as an opportunity to capitalize on Schalke’s home difficulties and relieve home pressure on his team.

Mainz will be missing four key players for the fixture: goalkeeper Robin Zentner is sidelined due to a hand injury, while Dominik Kohr, Otto Ruoppi, and Silas (still recovering from a long-term injury) are also unavailable. Meanwhile, the club announced that talented 19-year-old left-back Rael Nakuzola has signed his first professional contract, adding youth to the squad. Fischer confirmed that aside from the absentees, the rest of the squad is fit and available for selection.

This blend of youthful potential and experienced leadership will be crucial for Mainz as they seek to improve their home form and climb the Bundesliga standings.