Mainz boss on 5-0 drubbing: "The red card completely changed the game"
Mainz boss Martin Schmidt has reacted to Friday's embarrassing 5-0 defeat against Wolfsburg.
Mainz sporting director Martin Schmidt said Niklas Tauer's red card "completely changed the game" as Die Nullfünfer were thrashed 5-0 by Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga last night.
Mainz conceded an early goal and fell further behind midway through the first half, when Niklas Tauer was sent off and Max Kruse doubled the scoreline from the penalty spot.
Wolfsburg proceeded to kill off the game ahead of the break, scoring three more goals before a goalless second half.
"I think we have to talk about the opening 20 minutes. The red card completely changed the game. We didn’t defend well for their opening goal but we could have made it 1-1 just a few moments later and we would have had a completely different game. The double punishment for the penalty was tough to take but technically the right decision if we are going by the letter of the law," said Schmidt in a statement released by the club.
"After that, the game was in tatters, particularly after the devastating ten minutes leading up to half time. Being 5-0 down at half time was a horrible feeling. Bo remained calm at half time and made it clear that the player’s pride was at stake. He of course then made those four changes.
"We were more solid in the second half but after a game like that, it is clear that we need a deep analysis. We need to grit our teeth and go again in the next game. I am sure that the players and the coaching staff will manage that," emphasized the Mainz boss.