At first glance, it may look like an easy task: A Europa League participant takes on a second division side who haven’t enjoyed a good start to their season in the second round of the DFB Cup. But taking a closer look at Wednesday’s encounter between FSV Mainz 05 and SpVgg Greuther Fürth actually reveals a special appeal. Both teams are looking to secure a spot in the round of 16 and continue their way to the final in Berlin.
One player who knows how enticing the Cup adventure can be is Levin Öztunali, who charged all the way into the semi-final with Werder Bremen last year, where their run ended at the hands of eventual winners FC Bayern München. The German U21 international talked to DFB.de about the special allure of the DFB Cup, his transfer to Mainz and his appearances for the DFB team.
DFB.de: Mr. Öztunali, after some very intense weeks you are set to face the second round of the DFB Cup. What is on your mind ahead of Wednesday’s encounter with SpVgg Greuther Fürth?
Levin Öztunali: For us this game presents a big chance to reach the round of 16. But we all know that it won’t be an easy task. Obviously we will be the top flight side in this game, but we all know the unwritten rules of this competition. We are warned and approaching this game with all seriousness.
DFB.de: Because you are dreaming of reaching the final in Berlin?
Öztunali: Of course, that as well. Every football player wants to take part in this final and feel the energy. Mainz have never made it further than the semi-final. Perhaps we can change that this season. We will try at least.
DFB.de: Also because winning the DFB Cup would secure you a direct spot in next season’s Europa League campaign?
Öztunali: Mainz was able to qualify for Europe through the Bundesliga last season, when I was still under contract at Bremen. We’ve played three Europa League fixtures already this season. For me personally, but also for my team mates, these are great experiences. Every international game is another highlight. The DFB Cup may be the easier route of achieving this again.
At first glance, it may look like an easy task: A Europa League participant takes on a second division side who haven’t enjoyed a good start to their season in the second round of the DFB Cup. But taking a closer look at Wednesday’s encounter between FSV Mainz 05 and SpVgg Greuther Fürth actually reveals a special appeal. Both teams are looking to secure a spot in the round of 16 and continue their way to the final in Berlin.
One player who knows how enticing the Cup adventure can be is Levin Öztunali, who charged all the way into the semi-final with Werder Bremen last year, where their run ended at the hands of eventual winners FC Bayern München. The German U21 international talked to DFB.de about the special allure of the DFB Cup, his transfer to Mainz and his appearances for the DFB team.
DFB.de: Mr. Öztunali, after some very intense weeks you are set to face the second round of the DFB Cup. What is on your mind ahead of Wednesday’s encounter with SpVgg Greuther Fürth?
Levin Öztunali: For us this game presents a big chance to reach the round of 16. But we all know that it won’t be an easy task. Obviously we will be the top flight side in this game, but we all know the unwritten rules of this competition. We are warned and approaching this game with all seriousness.
DFB.de: Because you are dreaming of reaching the final in Berlin?
Öztunali: Of course, that as well. Every football player wants to take part in this final and feel the energy. Mainz have never made it further than the semi-final. Perhaps we can change that this season. We will try at least.
DFB.de: Also because winning the DFB Cup would secure you a direct spot in next season’s Europa League campaign?
Öztunali: Mainz was able to qualify for Europe through the Bundesliga last season, when I was still under contract at Bremen. We’ve played three Europa League fixtures already this season. For me personally, but also for my team mates, these are great experiences. Every international game is another highlight. The DFB Cup may be the easier route of achieving this again.
DFB.de: You joined Mainz this past summer. What has it been like for you?
Öztunali: So far, all I can say is that it was absolutely the right decision for me. I was received very well and feel completely comfortable here. I’m also quite satisfied from a sporting aspect.
DFB.de: Martin Schmidt is known to be a very emotional coach. Can you confirm?
Öztunali: He leads by example. In my eyes he is an excellent coach and I get along well with him. He talks a lot with me and clearly points out what he expects from me. This helps me a lot. Everything is run professionally here. At the moment we are playing a game every third day and the strain is quite high. But our coaching team is compensating for it well. We are always fit and prepared.
DFB.de: You are set to make two U21 international appearances in November. What do these games mean to you?
Öztunali: Every time I get invited it’s an honour. It makes me proud to wear the DFB kit. Furthermore these games are important for my personal development. You compete at the highest level against other nations. Next year we have the European Championships in Poland. It’s an event that we look forward to a lot after our qualifying campaign went so smoothly. But it’s still a long time until then.
