Mainz vs Monchengladbach preview - Schmidt urges team to have belief
Posted Saturday, March 07, 2015 by PA
Mainz boss Martin Schmidt admits his team will need to have "a good day" if they are to get the better of a Borussia Monchengladbach side coached by his compatriot Lucien Favre this weekend.
The two Swiss coaches come head to head for the first time and Schmidt is more than aware just how tough it is likely for relegation-threatened Mainz to overcome Favre's high-flying troops at the Coface Arena.
He feels they have a chance, though.
"We've analysed our opponents well and given a lot of thought to what we can do to get something against these Champions League candidates," Schmidt said on his club's website.
"The most important thing is that we believe in our own strengths. If we give it 100 per cent and also have a good day, then we can also manage to pick up points against a side sitting third."
Schmidt also believes he can learn a lot from his compatriot, who has led Gladbach from the bottom of the table to being perennial candidates for a place in Europe during his four years in charge.
"He's an exceptional personality and the fact he's made his mark in Germany as a Swiss makes him something of a role model," Schmidt added.
"Favre works in great detail and his team have a clear system. Furthermore, they are one of the sides who run the most in the whole league."
Favre admits he does not know all that much about his compatriot, who sits on the Mainz bench for only the third time this weekend, and that also makes his side's opponents difficult to fathom.
"But I'm looking forward to getting to know him on Saturday," Favre said. "We're going to need a top performance because we desperately want to win in Mainz."
Gladbach will be without Alvaro Dominguez, but Favre otherwise has a full squad to choose from.
Schmidt also has a full squad to select from, including a 12th man he believes can make the difference this weekend.
"Just think of the atmosphere against Eintracht Frankfurt," he said. "It was phenomenal and the lads were talking about it for days after.
"When you feel the fans are right behind you, then it gives you a buzz and that is precisely what we want and need again on Saturday."
Photos
More»
De Bruyne's glamorous Wag stuns in low-cut dress
Tuesday April 23 2024
[PICTURE SPECIAL] Coventry 3-3 Man Utd (2-4 pens)
Monday April 22 2024
Your Say