Sports director Tomasz Kasica (Mainz 05): "Have been better than any newcomer for a long time".

FSV Mainz 05 benefits from the waiver of all promotion contenders and TTC Neu-Ulm of a license for the coming season in the table tennis Bundesliga and keeps the class even as the last. In an interview, FSV sports director Tomasz Kasica sums up Mainz's debut season in the TTBL, comments on his club's personnel plans - and also reveals a personal wish for the new season.

Tomasz Kasica, congratulations on staying in the table tennis Bundesliga with FSV Mainz 05 and another TTBL season. Does the old saying "unexpected things often happen" apply to the new situation?

Of course, unexpected often comes, but in fact, for several years now, we have always had to see if anyone from the second division wants to come up. To be honest, in the first moment we were very happy that no one wanted to go up, but right after that in the second moment it was also very clear to us that with four wins we have been as good as no newcomer has been for a long time. We also want to try to win as many of our last four games as possible. But even though the new situation is not bad for us, we regret that TTC Neu-Ulm is leaving and that we will be only one league with eleven instead of twelve teams in the new season.

What were the reactions in your club when the good news for Mainz was announced?

There's no question that our class preservation was also good news in this way, but regardless of that, there will still be conceptual talks with soccer about the direction in which our project should continue. This is also very important to us, because soccer supports us financially, but also always stands by us with advice and support.

How have you been following the development of the licensing issue in recent weeks?

Of course, we had conceptions for both the second league and the TTBL at the beginning. But we also knew in advance that TTC OE Bad Hamburg would probably forego promotion, which is why our focus was already predominantly on another season in the TTBL. This had already been hinted at in the scene for the first time last December. The fact that a problem has arisen around Neu-Ulm and it in such a way worked out that they went out, came to us in addition. Because thereby our goal of remaining sportily in the league is reached. Now we want to get as many points as possible so that we can reach the ten-point mark.

At least the fact that we've managed to stay in the league at an early stage means that we can take stock of the situation. How do you sum up your first season in the top flight?

We're very satisfied with four wins, but we're also pleased that the guys behind Yuto Muramatsu have developed and are still developing. You can see that in the fact that they are now also capable of winning games. That's another reason why our recent win against Post SV Mühlhausen deserves special mention, even though Mühlhausen was a bit tired in parts from the match against Borussia Düsseldorf the day before. However, that can't diminish our team performance because all my players contributed a point. That was one of the best feelings I've had all season, especially against a Champions League semifinalist and playoff candidate. So basically, the conclusion is positive, but we want to show by the end of the season why we belong in the TTBL.

What lessons were most valuable for your team in its debut year?

We can learn many, many lessons. These include the completely different system of play, the preparation and follow-up is much more demanding due to the largely free lineups in contrast to the second league, which is difficult without experience.

What can your players still take away from the season that is coming to an end?

The players have all developed as personalities. They've also improved tactically, which is easy to see in the games, and you can also see how important video analysis is, because the players have worked very intensively with it. Overall, all of our horizons have broadened, and we can definitely take that with us.

Yuto Muramatsu's surprisingly strong performances gave Mainz hope for a long time that they would be able to stay in the league on their own. However, your top player is moving to 1. FC Saarbrücken-TT for the new season, leaving you with a big gap. Will your fans have to prepare for another season in the relegation battle without Muramatsu?

We won't deviate from our concept, and that's why we'll continue to rely on younger players whom we want to develop further. Even Yuto has developed during the season, after perhaps being a little inhibited at first, until he realized that he wasn't getting any pressure from us and that we were instead trying to make him better within our club structure, which applies to all our players in general. Yuto will certainly leave a big gap, but that's exactly why our task will be to develop our players again a bit further and to offer them the appropriate platform.

Thanks to the clarified situation, you will be able to start concrete personnel planning earlier. What is the current state of affairs?

At the moment, I can't say much about our planning - except that it's largely complete and our main team is practically set. We still have to wait and see whether we want to strengthen and adapt in certain areas. But before that, we want to talk to the footballers about the long-term nature of the project; we owe them that and it's also very important for us. But you can see that although we are in last place in sporting terms, we are still very, very close to the other teams.

Does the market still offer you sufficient opportunities for selective changes to the face of your team?

The market is always exciting, so there will be options right up to the end. Personally, it would be important for me to find another coach, because I've really enjoyed working with the team, but I'm also a sports director and manager, and it's important for me to separate these roles so that I can focus on other tasks in addition to supporting the team, or vice versa.

Your club's professional soccer players are also known for the good atmosphere at home games created by Mainz fans. Looking back, how would you rate the support of your supporters?

The fact that some active or former players and even our president Stefan Hofmann have already been to our home games in the hall shows that our project is very well received. The trend of our spectator average is also rising, and we have already made a name for ourselves in the Bundesliga. But we are still happy about every spectator and hope that we can continue to inspire the fans.