Mainz sees ‘step in the right direction’ during 2-1 loss to Bayern Munich

(Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images) | Getty Images Bayern Munich left Mainz with all three points after a 2-1 victory, but there was no shortage of encouragement for the hosts despite the disappointing result. Mainz head coach Urs Fischer was honest in his assessment, acknowledging that

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Bayern Munich left Mainz with all three points after a 2-1 victory, but there was no shortage of encouragement for the hosts despite the disappointing result.

Mainz head coach Urs Fischer was honest in his assessment, acknowledging that Bayern deserved the victory over the course of the 90 minutes while insisting that his team showed the qualities he wants to see moving forward.

“Over the course of the 90 minutes, it was a deserved win for Bayern Munich. I saw from my team what I wanted to see — it was a step

in the right direction, even if the result obviously isn’t what we want. The team showed me today what’s possible. When we bring our DNA onto the pitch, it’s not so easy to beat us,” said Fischer (as captured by FCBayern.com).

Midfielder Nadiem Amiri echoed his coach’s sentiments, pointing to Mainz’s work rate and the importance of taking advantage of opportunities against an opponent like Bayern Munich.

“We put in a very good performance, gave a lot, and did the basics that make us strong. They were clinical with the few chances they had. An equalizer before the break would’ve been good momentum, but you need a perfect day against Bayern. Nevertheless, it was a step in the right direction,” Amiri stated.

Forward Phillip Tietz, meanwhile, identified his disallowed equalizer as a potentially decisive turning point in the match. He also felt Mainz responded well after the break and praised the supporters for getting behind the team.

“The disallowed equalizer is the key moment of the match. The fact that it didn’t count turned everything around again. It would’ve been awesome to go into the break like that. Nevertheless, we came back out well, and my goal should’ve come sooner. That woke the fans up, and they really got behind us. We showed a different side to ourselves than of late. Obviously, I always want to start, but we were playing well anyway. Would it have turned out better with me? We’ll never know. It’s also very hard against Bayern; the boys did a great job,” Tietz remarked.

Ultimately, Mainz came away empty-handed, but Fischer and his players clearly believe there is something to build on. Bayern Munich was simply too strong on the day.