“Full of energy and enthusiasm”

The 05ers are still hungry and have put the win against Darmstadt 98 behind them. FSV will keep fighting and are looking to continue chasing down the teams ahead of them as they turn their attention to the clash with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the MEWA ARENA, where the home section is sold out. Bo Henriksen’s side have significantly improved their situation in the relegation battle in the last few weeks, but the head coach emphasised that the fight for survival is “far from over” in his press conference ahead of the game against Hoffenheim. “We’re staying humble and we’re well prepared, whilst we’ve also got respect for a strong opponent, but we’re not afraid,” the Dane said.

The team has worked hard to develop the confidence that they’re taking into the final stages of the season after picking up eleven points from seven games under the new head coach. FSV have impressed with their defensive stability and increased variety in their play in the final third. The joy in the 05ers’ play was unmistakeable in the second half of the clash with Darmstadt. One of the positive side effects of Mainz’s improved form has been energised fans, who have backed up the side’s performances on the pitch with vociferous support in the stands. Winter signing Nadiem Amiri drew attention to the fans’ brilliant support in an interview during the week, whilst Henriksen also described their support on and off the pitch as “incredible”. He repeated on Thursday: “We’re looking forward to the fans’ and the whole city’s support.” This support could be a crucial factor in the last few weeks of the season, in which Mainz still face games against Freiburg (A), Köln (H), Heidenheim (A), Dortmund (H) and Wolfsburg (A) on the final day following this weekend’s meeting with Hoffenheim.

Widmer sets an example

The 49-year-old said that the 05ers are fired-up and ready for the business end of the season as they look to close the three-point gap to 15th-placed Bochum. He also highlighted his team’s incredibly high energy level and admitted that he sometimes has to tell the team to slow down a little in training. This quality could though be crucial in his side’s fight for survival. He is also continuing to concentrate first and foremost on his team’s own performance. “That’s the most important thing, because nothing’s just going to happen by itself. If we don’t have the right mindset, we’ll have huge problems,” warned the 05 boss, whose players are determined not to lose sight of their objective.

He added that, despite the increasing competition for places, every player has to play their part for the team. As an example, Henriksen named captain Silvan Widmer, who has impressed off the bench in the past few weeks. “After the first goal against Darmstadt, I saw our captain run onto the pitch and embrace Robin Zentner, looking like the happiest person in the world. That was one of my favourite moments from Saturday. That showed him to be a real leader, and how he’s embracing his current role and embodying our team spirit. He’s shown off the bench what he can do and adds energy to our game every time. That’s what makes this squad special.” With the prospect of possible injuries and suspensions, it’s also likely that Mainz will still need everyone to contribute in the decisive moments of the season.

Bild: The atmosphere at the MEWA-ARENA is expected to be electric once again on Saturday afternoon.

Reaching the next level

Mainz’s coaching staff are spoilt for choice ahead of the clash against Hoffenheim. What’s the starting XI going to be? And who’s going to make the squad? In response to these questions, the head coach stressed once again that his selection decisions are not based on the upcoming opponents. That being said, Henriksen was full of praise for Hoffenheim, who still have the European places in their sights. The Dane noted that they have “some players with serious individual quality, as well as firepower up top. It’s going to be another battle, but we’ve done our homework.” The visitors on Saturday will come up against a team of hungry 05ers who play with courage and have faith in their own abilities again. However, FSV’s head coach noted that the players still think there’s room for improvement. “The players are full of energy and enthusiasm. We can feel that and we want to reach that next level. I’m confident that’ll we’ll come away from the game on Saturday and next week’s match with good results,” said Henriksen, whose energetic touchline presence has also not gone unnoticed.