Budu Zivzivadze on Heidenheim's hopes of pulling off a great escape from relegation, scoring a brace at Bayern Munich and Georgia teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Georgia and Heidenheim attacker Budu Zivzivadze sat down for an interview to sum up the fighting spirit as his club look to complete a great escape and potentially avoid automatic relegation on the season's final day with a win at home to Mainz.
Bundesliga: Heidenheim looked likely to be relegated a few weeks ago, but a series of good results mean you can escape automatic relegation on the final day. How have you turned the situation around?
Zivzivadze: "Week by week, we are thinking in positive ways. We are focusing on our games, winning our games, winning each battle, and that's the reason I think why we are still alive, and we still have a chance to stay in the Bundesliga."
Bundesliga: How do you expect the team will approach the must-win game against Mainz?
Zivzivadze: "Like in our last few games, as one team, focused, concentrated, and fighting for every single moment. We did quite well in those, especially in Cologne. It was a good game, with a good performance by the team, and I hope it will be the same for us on Saturday. I'm proud to have team-mates like this because they are always focused, always fighting, and I'm sure we will do the same against Mainz."
Bundesliga: The battling mentality of the team has been really clear in recent weeks. Where does that come from?
Zivzivadze: "You could see before I came here that they never give up. I think I learned that from them. I had that mentality already, but now I can feel it a lot more. It comes from the coach [Frank Schmidt], I think. He always believes in himself. It doesn't matter if we are against Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen or Borussia Dortmund, he always wants to win the game, and that's our mentality. I never saw that mentality at my previous clubs."
Bundesliga: Talking about facing Bayern, how special was it for you to score a brace in the recent 3-3 draw in Munich, despite conceding a late equaliser?
Zivzivadze: "It was unbelievable, because when I was a child, I always dreamed of playing against big teams, but I never thought that I would score two goals against them at a stadium like the Allianz Arena. It was an unbelievable feeling. I think you saw the celebration after the second goal. It was a big day for me as all my family were in the stadium. They flew from Georgia especially for that game. When I scored those two goals in front of them, it was an incredible feeling."
Bundesliga: How do you assess Heidenheim's chances in the match against Mainz?
Zivzivadze: "Mainz are a good team, and they play very good football. It is not easy, but we have a bit more of a chance because we are playing in front of our fans. They never stop. They are always behind us, and I think Saturday will be crazy. I'm expecting drama - I remember when Dortmund had a chance to win the title, they played against Mainz and drew 2-2 to miss out. We aren't playing for the title, but we are playing to stay in the Bundesliga. I will do everything for this club because this team deserves to be in the top flight."
Bundesliga: Is it the biggest game you have played in your career?
Zivzivadze: "I had the Euro 2024 qualifying play-off with the national team. I think that was the most important game because when you play for the country, it's very special and very important. But this game comes close as it is very important for the club, for the city - for everybody. I think the players understand this, and we are ready for Saturday."
Bundesliga: Could we ask what you think about your international teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who recently played a big part in Paris Saint-Germain getting the better of Bayern and making the UEFA Champions League final?
Zivzivadze: "He was the best player on the pitch over the two semi-finals, and I wish him all the best in the final. We are very proud of him. A lot of players in Georgia, including myself, have gained belief after seeing that a guy from a small country like Georgia can play at this high level, and thinking: why not me?"
