When Red-White Essen take on FC Ingolstadt on Saturday (November 26, 2:00 p.m.), Christoph Dabrowski will warn his defense about Jannik Mause in particular.
14 games, nine goals, three assists: it’s hard to imagine where FC Ingolstadt would be without these great statistics, which belong to Jannik Mause. Certainly not just six points behind their next opponent, Rot-Weiss Essen.
But with the 25-year-old striker in the team, coach Michael Köllner’s team can still realistically dream of promotion to the second division.
The “Schanzer” want to build on this against Rot-Weiss Essen and reduce the gap to the top. Of course, Mause is once again the man on whom hopes are pinned.
Forecasting spoke to the former Alemannia Aachen striker, who was involved in 30 goals (22 goals, eight assists) in 56 games in two years at Alemannia.
Jannik Mause, 14 games and 12 assists: Be honest: Did you think before the season that you would settle in so quickly and well in Ingolstadt?
I personally expected to settle in quickly at the club, in the club environment and in the region. Of course, the team, the coaching staff and the staff played a major role in this. They all made it easy for me to acclimatize. As a result, my start in Ingolstadt has been more than successful, both in my sporting and private life.
When you play in the Regionalliga West, you automatically watch to see what Rot-Weiss Essen are doing. Nevertheless, it still surprised me.
Jannik Mause
What made the familiarization so easy?
It was made easier by the fact that we had two intensive training camps in the summer. This allowed us to get to know each other even better, including at the team evening. This allowed the team to grow together and find each other. Ultimately, the newcomers benefited from the major upheaval, because all the ‘newcomers’ were keen to find their feet quickly, which made the early days more pleasant.
The team is not playing the way you had planned before the season…
Before the season, we set out to find each other quickly and then get as many points as possible. Not least because of the major upheaval over the summer, we have experienced ups and downs in the past few months, which is perfectly normal with 12 new additions. In general, however, we need to become more consistent.
How do you assess the FCI situation and the league table ahead of the Essen game?
We are currently six points behind the current third-placed team. At best, we want to reduce that to three points at the weekend.
Rot-Weiss Essen are third in the table and are coming to Ingolstadt, who are currently in third place. How much of a surprise are they?
When you play in the Regionalliga West, you automatically keep an eye on what Rot-Weiss Essen are doing. Nevertheless, it still came as a surprise.
According to our information, you almost ended up in Essen. Is there supposed to have been contact?
I’ve been playing for FC Ingolstadt 04 since the summer and couldn’t be happier. I’ve never commented on stories speculated in the media and I’m not going to start now.
Where do you see Essen’s strengths?
I think every team in the 3rd division has their individual strengths, and the same goes for Essen, who will try to bring these onto the pitch against us as well. At this point, we as a team are required to not let their strengths come into play.
How many goals has Jannik Mause set himself – 20 plus X?
I didn’t expect that many at the beginning of the season. My goal was and still is to play as many games as possible and to help my team with very good performances – which automatically includes assists and goals. But as an offensive player, you also need a bit of luck at one moment or another.
Why will FC Ingolstadt be above Rot-Weiss Essen at the end of the season and will FCI also be promoted?
In my opinion, it is premature and therefore inappropriate to talk about such final table constellations at the end of the first half of the season. Because in this league, anyone can beat anyone – we have seen this happen several times this season already. We can talk about it again after the 38th matchday.