The 21st round of this Bundesliga season took us to the Olympiastadion for the clash between Hertha Berlin and FSV Mainz 05. An interesting encounter between two teams who are trying to escape the relegation spots. Just as in the earlier fixture this season, Mainz grabbed the win. As a result, the gap between the two teams is down to two points in favour of Hertha BSC.
In this tactical analysis, we take a look at how Hertha adjusted their tactics for this game against Mainz. Furthermore, we analyse how Mainz tried to press when Hertha were building-up from the back. We also take a look at Herthas attacking structure. Lastly, the analysis examines the tactical change from Hertha after the break and how Mainz adjusted to these tactics.
Lineups
Jürgen Klinsmann adjusted Herthas tactics for the game against Mainz. Instead of using his preferred 4-1-4-1 formation, the German head coach decided to start in a 3-5-2 formation. As a result of this adjustment Lukas Klünter, Javairô Dilrosun and Dodi Lukébakio started on the bench. Niklas Stark, Krzysztof Piatek and Pascal Köpke started instead of them.
Achim Beierlorzer also changed his tactics in comparison to their last game against Bayern Munich. Instead of starting in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Mainz started this game in a 3-4-3 formation. Due to this tactical change Pierre Kunde, Jean-Paul Boëtius and Jean-Philippe Mateta were left on the bench. Jeffrey Bruma, Danny Latza and Ádám Szalia started in their places.
