Farès Chaibi Discusses Current Season, Mainz Match, and World Cup Aspirations with Algeria

Ramadan’s Impact on a Professional Athlete

Farès, the conclusion of Ramadan coincided with Eid. How demanding is this month for you as a professional sportsman?
“It dawned on me that Ramadan began earlier this year, resulting in earlier sunset times and consequently shorter fasting days. This shift made it somewhat easier than in previous years.”

Season Assessment and Team Contribution

You embarked on this season determined to give your utmost for the team. How has that journey unfolded so far?
“Compared to my initial two years at Frankfurt, I’ve faced challenges in securing playing time, but that situation has improved in recent weeks. With eight matches remaining, both I and the team are committed to giving our best.”

Acknowledgment of Improvement and Motivation

That sounds quite self-reflective, especially as you hold the record for the most goal contributions at Eintracht and rank fourth in assists in the Bundesliga…
“It’s part of my nature to be driven. I recognize the importance of statistics in contemporary football, so I’m aware of my performance metrics. They serve as proof that dedication yields results and inspire me to strive for further development.”

The Importance of Set Pieces

Albert Riera has emphasized that set pieces constitute 30% of playing time, thus they will make up a similar percentage in training. What’s your role in this area?
“It’s well-known that set pieces are gaining significance in today’s matches. They can be crucial in tightly contested games. I understand this is a talent of mine, and I’m focused on refining it. I was thrilled that my free-kick against Heidenheim contributed to our victory.”

Addressing Recent Criticisms

There has been some criticism of the team’s willingness to take risks, notably in terms of deep passing and forward movement…
“That’s true; these aspects need improvement. We have several players capable of executing these elements and willing to follow the coach’s game plan. We could afford to take more chances in specific scenarios to swing the match in our favor. I feel some responsibility for this and aim to contribute more creatively.”

Anticipating the Rhine-Main Derby

Mainz employs a similar style of play. How do you foresee the upcoming derby?
“I’ve always found Mainz to be a formidable challenge, and there’s certainly a rivalry at stake. We’ll strive to dictate the game’s tempo. If we can execute our plan effectively and everyone maintains the right attitude, we have a strong chance of securing the three points.”

Looking Ahead to the International Break

With the upcoming international break, how much attention are you dedicating to the possibility of participating in your first World Cup this summer?
“Currently, my focus is on the eight remaining Bundesliga matches for my club. Everyone understands the significance of the World Cup – it’s unparalleled. Just imagining a season where I debut in both the Champions League and potentially the World Cup is indescribable. For now, I’m focused on performing well for Eintracht through to the season’s end.”