Danny da Costa discusses new substitute role at Mainz

Danny da Costa is adapting to an unfamiliar situation at Mainz 05 after losing his regular starting place in the team.

The experienced defender had spent roughly two years operating on the right side of Mainz’s back three. However, coach Urs Fischer has recently turned to returning defender Stefan Posch, leaving da Costa to make an impact from the bench.

Fischer informed the 33-year-old before the away match against Hamburg, explaining that the decision was based on tactical considerations rather than da Costa’s goalless draw against Paderborn.

Da Costa admitted that he would prefer to start but appreciated the honesty of his manager. “I’d feel better if I were playing from the beginning,” he said. He also acknowledged that every player naturally wants to be involved from the opening whistle.

Since losing his place, da Costa has appeared as a substitute against Hamburg, Eintracht Frankfurt and Borussia Mönchengladbach. He made the most of his latest opportunity, scoring his first goal of the season during Mainz’s dramatic 4-3 victory at Borussia-Park.

Despite his reduced role, the veteran remains positive about Mainz’s prospects and believes the squad is well prepared for the rest of the campaign.