Zimling: 'The first half was exceptional'
Munich - It may have ultimately been a disappointing trip to the Allianz Arena for 1. FSV Mainz 05, as they were humbled 4-1 by reigning champions FC Bayern München, but midfielder Niki Zimling wasn't despairing.
bundesliga.com spoke to the Dane after the game and found out what he had to say about Bayern, Braunschweig next week, and Mainz's current form.
bundesliga.com: How would you sum up Mainz’s efforts against Bayern?
Niki Zimling: We played a very good first half, created some big chances and coverted one. I think the first half was exceptional. In the second, they put us under pressure, changed the way they played a little bit and got some goals, but I think it was a good effort by us to try and get something from the game.
bundesliga.com: What was the atmosphere like in the dressing room after going into the break a goal up? Were you surprised to be ahead at that stage?
Zimling: No, not really. The coach told us to keep being aggressive and to keep going, but it was a tough game. After an hour, you could see our players were tired, but that’s normal when you play the best team in Europe and it’s tough to stop them from creating chances. Overall, I think we did a good job.
bundesliga.com: Despite an ultimately heavy defeat, what are the positives Mainz can take out of the game?
Zimling: There are a lot of things to take with us. We had some corners during the game that, with a bit of luck, could have resulted in goals. Unfortunately for us, that didn’t happen, they scored their third goal and the game was finished.
bundesliga.com: Mainz have only picked up one point in the league since Matchday 3. Is confidence an issue at all?
Zimling: I don’t think so. The Bayern game showed that everyone gives 100 per cent, that they’re concentrated and disciplined. I think that’s what we need to pick up more points and improve the team.
bundesliga.com: You play Eintracht Braunschweig next. How important is it that Mainz get all three points from that match?
Zimling: It’s a big game for us against the new team in the Bundesliga. Like any game, it’s important we do our best to try and win it.
bundesliga.com: Does it take on added significance, though, considering your current form?
Zimling: I wouldn’t say it’s a six-pointer or anything, but it’s a game we’d give everything to win. Braunschweig almost picked up a very good result against Schalke, but it’s a game like any other really. It’ll be a tough game, but we’re at home, so we should win. I think we will.
Matthew Howarth reporting from the Allianz Arena.
Check out the top goals from Matchday 9, including an Arjen Robben special, on the Bundesliga's official YouTube channel.
