The Dutchman and his players had to cope with freezing temperatures during this week's training sessions. "I asked the players and also my coaching staff to keep on moving a lot," said Peter Bosz at the pre-match press conference on Friday with a smile. "That's why the temperature wasn't a problem for us. And it was even very nice in the sunshine."
The 57-year-old was able to welcome Nadiem Amiri back to the training ground this week. The Germany international completed his period of self-isolation following a positive coronavirus test. But Bosz was unwilling to reveal whether the 24-year-old would be in the starting eleven on Saturday. The Dutchman is just happy to have another alternative in offensive midfield ahead of the busy run of fixtures coming up.
Bosz praises Wirtz and Demirbay
Kerem Demirbay has recently played in the position of the sidelined Amiri – and he knew how to impress with his commitment and goal threat. The 27-year-old netted a brace against Stuttgart. Bosz on the left-footer: "Kerem is doing a good job. I particularly like the fact he never complains but always works really hard. In his position you have to score goals – and he's done that. Therefore I'm happy with his development."
The head coach can be equally happy with the performances of the 17-year-old Florian Wirtz. The youngster has been really impressive in the centre of the park for several weeks and he made it 4-2 against VfB Stuttgart with a header – with the Germany assistant coach Marcus Sorg looking on. This Saturday against Mainz 05 sees Germany coach Joachim Löw visit the BayArena. In answer to the question whether he would advise Löw to call up his youngster, Bosz responded with the following words: "Löw will be watching several players. But I can understand why he's also coming to see Florian Wirtz. He's producing consistent performances and has quality."
After change of coaches: Mainz on the rise
Like the Werkself, the visitors from Mainz were also able to win their last Bundesliga fixture. FSV picked up the second win in their last three matches with a 1-0 victory over Union Berlin thanks to a penalty from Moussa Niakhaté. Before that, they beat RB Leipzig 3-2.
Mainz are on the rise since the change of coaches with the former Mainz player Bo Svensson now at the helm. The team from Rhinehessen are still in 17th place in the table but the gap to safety has now shrunk to four points under the leadership of the Dane. "They are playing well and getting results. That helps to build confidence," declared Bosz. In spite of the convincing performances by the next opponents, the Werkself will be looking to "continue riding the rollercoaster" against the reinvigorated Mainz team.
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werks11 Radio
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the game
