“We will fight until the end”

One particular image from the home win over Hoffenheim made an impression on Bo Henriksen. After Karim Onisiwo’s final goal of the 4-1 victory in the 88th minute, Sepp van den Berg sprinted almost the full length of the field from central defence to the other end of the pitch in front of the Mainz fans to celebrate his Austrian teammate’s first goal of the season. “It’s so great to see,” said the 05 head coach to the media after the first training session of the week on Wednesday afternoon. “He was so pleased for his teammate and wanted him to have this moment so much. That’s exactly what we need,” said the Dane, who emphasised the meaning of the image, which is symbolic of what’s special about Mainz 05 at the moment.

After the recent good results under Henriksen, the team’s belief in themselves and each other is higher than ever before this season. Under the new head coach, the team’s only disappointing defensive performance so far came away at FC Bayern München. Other than that, they have embodied that typical 05 intensity and aggression off the ball. Particularly in scoring four goals in their last two home games against Darmstadt and Hoffenheim, FSV have also shown a clear improvement in attack and that they don’t just play with tenacity but can also play exciting football. “We’re a team who can both score goals and defend. That’s what football comes down too. Those are two of the most important things. If we play like that, we’ll have a chance against any team.”

“Records are there to be broken”

It helps enormously that the 05ers are able to head into the crucial weeks feeling good and with a positive mood amongst the team. Nevertheless, it’s clear to Henriksen and his players that they can’t take anything for granted. The team needs points, no matter how they come. There are only five games left and it’s all about maintaining their form and continuing to put in good performances in order to secure as many points as possible. “At the end, you get what you deserve,” Henriksen emphasised. It’s one of the Mainz head coach’s beliefs that he and his team are trying hard to breathe life into. “It’s always all about hard work. The whole group understands that and we’re proud of it.”

That should continue to pay off on the pitch if the 05ers keep fighting for survival in the top flight and do exactly the same away at SC Freiburg on Sunday (19:30 CEST). FSV, who are currently in the relegation play-off spot in 16th, are looking to chase down the teams ahead of them and are only focusing on themselves. “We’re not going to get any help and it doesn’t matter how the other clubs do. We need to resolve this situation on our own,” said Henriksen. That’s been a challenge away from home this season. The 05ers have picked up seven points away from home so far this season, whilst they are also yet to win away from home. Even this poor record away from home is unable to dent the head coach’s unwavering optimism. “Records are there to be broken. We’ll go out there and try to be brave on Sunday in order to win. However, we’re also facing a very good team in the shape of Freiburg.”

Every member of the team will be important

Henriksen will be further encouraged by the fact that, with the exception of long-term absentees Maxim Leitsch and Stefan Bell, his entire squad was available to take to the training pitch for Wednesday’s session. The Dane emphasised that every member of the team is important, and everyone will be needed in the run-in. “We have a lot of competition for playing time. We need to manage that and make sure everyone gets some time on the pitch.” It isn’t just the regular starters who have experienced an upturn in form in recent weeks. – the impact that substitutes can make is just as important. “Everyone gives their best for the team, whether they play 10, 20 or 30 minutes.”

It is for that reason that Henriksen can remain relaxed about the fact that eight of his players currently sit on four yellow cards for the season, with a suspension looming should any receive a fifth. Such suspensions are always a factor in closing stages of the season, and are not something the players should be thinking about. “We’re happy that we have a good squad. That’s why I’m not afraid if someone gets a yellow card or is threatened with suspension. Because the players on the bench are in form, too – they just have to show it,” said the 49-year-old. Regardless of how the 05ers line up for their final five games of the season, one thing is clear in Henriksen’s mind: “We will fight until the end.”