Svensson says Quaison ruled out for Leverkusen, Mainz's Glatzel "burns for the Bundesliga"
In his Thursday press conference, FSV Mainz trainer Bo Svensson confirmed that Robin Quaison would not be available for the coming clash against Bayer Leverkusen and reported that Robert Glatzel might be fit enough for his first Bundesliga start.
Bo Svensson reported a "good training week" despite the frigid temperatures in the Pfalz. "Apart from the fact that we all had to don long underwear, there wasn't a problem," the 41-year-old told the assembled media.
The relegation-threatened Rheinhessen face a daunting task with a trip to rejuvenated Leverkusen this week. Ordinarily, the club could draw some energy from carnival at this time of year. Svensson rued the fact that the electric energy wouldn't buttress the team this year.
The big news emanating from the Mainzer camp concerns the fact that the squad's current best attacker, Robion Quaison, would have to sit another round out. The Pfälzer gaffer remained tight-lipped about who would serve in his budding double-false-nine system.
Veteran Adam Szalai's recent return to the attack led Svensson express a great deal of respect for the 33-year-old's leadership qualities. The Danish trainer nevertheless hinted that the club's main transfer target stood ready to make his way into the Nullfünfter starting IX.
"Robert has emphasised in interviews how he burns for the Bundesliga and Mainz," Svensson acknowledged, "One also sees that from him in his daily activities. He makes a good impression in training. He's fit and brings all the qualities we expect of him."