Ilzer: "We have to bring the energy to the pitch"

Christian Ilzer on…

...Saturday's game: "We did some things well in Leipzig but didn't reap the rewards. We want to take the good things with us so that we can pick up points against Mainz. Our goal must be to learn from the reverse fixture in Mainz. We were just passengers then. We have to get the basics right on the pitch. Mainz bring unity and intensity to the pitch. We mustn't let ourselves be unsettled by any mistakes that Mainz will try to force us into. It's about staying focused. We want to work as a team to make sure we can hold out against them."

...the opposition: "I haven't seen any weakness from them recently. The first half against Kiel might not have been the best, but they were a man down against Freiburg and anyone can lose in Dortmund. They're having a sensational season, it's really great. You can only congratulate them. We have to embrace this game and bring the energy to the pitch."

...the suspension of Østigård: "Leo is a key player in our defence, even though he hasn't been with us for long. His absence hurts, but we have a good squad. The sending off was justified, but it was very bitter for us. We had to play 60 minutes without him and now he's suspended for another two games. That's the rule, but it's not proportionate. It's not a bad foul and nobody gets hurt. We should talk about it, because the punishment is very harsh."

...the injury report: "We're on the verge of a comeback for a few players. Diadie Samassékou and Alexander Prass are back on the pitch. It's also looking up for Christopher Lenz and Ihlas Bebou. All of them have the chance of getting into the team before the end of the season, though Samassékou and Prass are currently closer."

Head-to-head record:

Recent Bundesliga meetings with Mainz have been a source of frustration for TSG. TSG have not won in four games (three defeats, one draw) and have only won eight of 31 total meetings with Mainz (15 defeats and eight draws).

The opposition's form:

Mainz are in with a chance of achieving the best season in the club's history, and currently occupy fourth place. However, the team led by coach Bo Henriksen have lost some form recently and have not won in their last three games.

Match facts and statistics »