Silberbauer: “Mainz 05 is special”

Michael Silberbauer joined head coach Bo Henriksen’s staff in mid-February. The 42-year-old former Denmark international had previously worked with Henriksen at FC Midtjylland, and also has a wealth of coaching experience in the Danish Superliga, Swiss Super League, Canadian Premier League and Dutch Eredivisie. He has now settled perfectly in Mainz. “I really like it here. Everyone’s friendly. That always helps you to settle in. My family aren’t here yet. They’re coming later. We had only just moved back to Denmark, and the kids had just started at a new school. That’s why we decided that they should finish school and then move here in the summer,” explained Silberbauer.

“Everyone has their own style”

As an assistant coach, Silberbauer sees his role as to support everyone as much as possible. He often takes charge of training sessions, but the whole group work together. “We’re a team and we help one another. We’re always changing who takes on what role. I often draw up the basic format for training, but that varies session by session. Niko, Sören, Bo and I then sit together and plan together.” He has a very good relationship with the head coach which is built on trust. “I knew him already, so I know what makes him tick and what his strengths are. I first worked with Bo at Midtjylland. From the start, I could tell that he was a great guy and above all a great coach. I love working with him,” said Silberbauer.

When asked why Henriksen brought him to Mainz, he replied with a chuckle: “I think that’s more of a question for Bo, but we gel together well.” The head coach is a famously extroverted character who knows how to get people on board. Silberbauer is a bit different. “We’re the same in some ways, but of course we’re also different from each other in other ways. I see that as a good thing though. The most important thing is that everyone stays true to themselves. I’m definitely a bit more of a reserved guy. That doesn’t mean that I don’t have the right qualities though. Everyone has their own style,” said the assistant coach.

Working hard and feeling the support from the fans

The hard work of the team and the coaching staff has been shown by the impressive run of form over the past few weeks. The assistant coach is pleased with his work alongside the 05 players. “I got a great first impression of the lads, that they were immediately ready to work incredibly hard. We’re all pulling together towards the same aim. We’re taking everything game by game and step by step. We’re always focused.” As well as results, the fans have also contributed to the positive atmosphere around the club. “Mainz 05 is special. The fans and everyone at the stadium are doing a brilliant job. The support is just incredible, and everyone can feel that,” said Silberbauer. Though he wasn’t involved in a relegation battle as a player, he is of course familiar with the pressure and the tension. “This tension is the same in any game that means something, for example when we were going for the Danish league title,” said Silberbauer. Football itself has changed in general from his time as a player. “It’s definitely got faster, and as a player these days you have to be more flexible and work harder,” said the 42-year-old, who retired at FC Biel-Bienne in 2015 at the age of 33.