Phillip Tietz explains why Mainz partnership with Sheraldo Becker is flourishing

Phillip Tietz has explained why his burgeoning strike partnership with Sheraldo Becker has clicked so quickly ahead of Mainz’s Rhine-Main derby against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Phillip Tietz celebrates scoring against Hamburger SV.

Selim Sudheimer/Getty Images

Mainz striker Phillip Tietz has hailed his developing understanding with Sheraldo Becker after the pair played starring roles in last weekend’s emphatic victory over Hamburger SV.

Tietz scored twice in the 5-0 win at the Volksparkstadion, while Becker recorded a goal and two assists as Urs Fischer’s side picked up their first Bundesliga victory of the season.

The pair are set to lead the Mainz attack once again when Eintracht Frankfurt visit the Mewa Arena on Saturday afternoon. 

Speaking to DAZN ahead of the Rhine-Main derby, Tietz believes their contrasting qualities are a major reason why the partnership has worked so well.

“First of all, we’ve known each other for longer now, since the second half of last season,” Tietz said.

“But I think we both have different strengths that the other doesn’t have.

“Sheraldo is more the one who makes runs in behind, while I’m the one who holds the ball up and flicks it on.

“I think that combination works really well, and we also get along well off the pitch, which I think is another positive.”

The interviewer likened the partnership to a “good marriage”, before asking Tietz how much of their understanding is instinctive and how much comes from work on the training pitch.

Tietz believes it is a combination of the two.

“I’d say it’s a bit of both,” he explained.

“Of course, you have certain patterns that you follow, and then, to a certain extent, you also know the other player - where he’s going to go and what he’s most likely going to do.

“Then it becomes more intuitive, so I’d say it’s a bit of both."

With Die Nullfünfer looking to inflict more pain on rivals Frankfurt, boss Fischer will be looking to the Tietz and Becker partnership to do the damage once again.