Reactions to the 4-0 win over Mainz: "We’re still in the hunt" | OneFootball

At the start of the 22nd matchday, Borussia Dortmund secured a 4-0 victory against 1. FSV Mainz 05, not only solidifying second place but also reducing the gap to FC Bayern Munich, who are visiting Werder Bremen today, to three points. The satisfaction at BVB was accordingly high after the match.

"We are happy, we are pleased with the victory," said coach Niko Kovac, who also made no secret of the fact that the 3-0 halftime score only partially reflected the course of the game: "It was hard-earned. The first half was balanced, we were more efficient. Through set pieces, we steered the game in the right direction. We then controlled the second half."

Sebastian Kehl also highlighted the efficiency and was delighted with three goals from corner kicks: "Set pieces are always good. You can decide games with them. I am especially satisfied with the first half. We were very efficient. But also just scoring four goals and not conceding any feels good," explained the sporting director, issuing at least a small challenge to FC Bayern: "People go home happy, and we stay in the race."

Ryerson and Brandt on the current set-piece strength

Julian Ryerson, who set up all four goals with crosses and received plenty of praise for it, did not want to put himself in the spotlight: "I have to deliver the ball to the right spot, and the others have to run there. The blocks also do a good job. When we score a goal, it's not just my assist or the scorer, but several people involved."

Meanwhile, Julian Brandt revealed that the new quality in set pieces is no coincidence: "We place value on set pieces, and we knew after the first half of the season that we still had potential there. Both the target players and the corner takers are doing a good job at the moment. Goals from set pieces often open the game for us. Today, against Wolfsburg as well, and also in one or two other games before."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.