Hjulmand ahead of #B04M05: Mainz ‘a physical and ball-winning team’

"We have a very important week ahead of us with three Bundesliga games," said Kasper Hjulmand at the pre-match press conference on Friday morning, also with a view to the rearranged fixture at Hamburger SV on Wednesday. "We start tomorrow against Mainz. We can expect a physical and ball-winning team doing very well under Urs Fischer (Mainz 05 head coach since the beginning of December 2025, ed.)."

With regard to his own team, the Dane explained that "we want and need to take a step forward in our performance compared to the previous games (Olympiacos and Union Berlin, ed.). Above all, it's about finding our rhythm in possession. We haven't managed that so often recently, but it's very important for our game. We need to improve on that." At the same time, Hjulmand praised the defensive quality of the Werkself, who have only conceded three goals in their last nine matches.

Hopes for Maza and Terrier – Tillman doubtful

In addition to Mark Flekken, Nathan Tella and Eliesse Ben Seghir, Lucas Vázquez is unavailable on Saturday after sustaining a calf injury in the play-off second leg against Olympiacos (0-0). For Malik Tillman it looks "difficult for tomorrow after a kick in the same game, even if fortunately it's nothing long-term". With regard to Ibrahim Maza and Martin Terrier there is hope that both will be ready to play against Mainz. Edmond Tapsoba has received the all clear.

When asked about the sidelined players and question marks over personnel, Hjulmand declared: "In weeks like this with so many games in such a short space of time, you naturally need rotation, routines and regeneration. We know that, so there's no excuse. We are absolutely ready."