Silvan Widmer has scored twice recently: for 1. FSV Mainz 05 and the Swiss national team. That gives the defender confidence for the upcoming task at VfB Stuttgart – just like the speeches of coach Bo Svensson.
Goals are a rare sense of achievement for defenders, goals like Silvan Widmer’s even more so. “Sure: You can win hearts with goals like that “, says the Mainz defender about his successful shots against Borussia Mönchengladbach and Italy (both 1-1). In the Bundesliga, it worked with a nice flick, in the World Cup qualifiers with the Swiss national team with a tight shot. He “took the momentum with him”, says Widmer. And when you score goals, you get self-confidence. “That’s always the same.”
Widmer and Mainz are currently a long way away from a major low in spirits. With a win against VfB Stuttgart, the Rheinhessen side could bag points number 19, 20 and 21. Mainz, including their cup success against Bielefeld (3:2), have gone five games without defeat, while the Swabians have been waiting six games for a win. “They have their backs to the wall and are desperate to win, “ Widmer believes and demands: “We have to be just as hungry for the points as they are. “
Widmer wants to go to Qatar
The necessary fire is lit by coach Bo Svensson, whose emotional speeches Widmer appreciates. “Bo is great,” enthuses the 28-year-old, explaining: “He knows exactly when to get loud. After the Cologne game, he showed us some scenes that were not good. I had the feeling that we all have the will to do better again immediately.” Obviously clear words from the Dane – after a 1:1, mind you.
In Stuttgart, Widmer can presumably also put his words into action. The Swiss is one of the regulars this season. One goal: to travel with Switzerland to the WM 2022 in Qatar. “I’ve played in the European Championship, but I’m still missing the World Cup, “ he says – and wants to impress national team coach Murat Yakin with his offensive qualities. “My crosses are sometimes still too inaccurate. I want to score more points,” admits Widmer, who trains his two-footedness for finishes and passes. Good prerequisites to win another heart or two.
