“We’ve got to hunt as a pack”

A negative streak is there to be ended. Bo Henriksen explained at the start of the training week on Wednesday that his side wants to end their year-long run without an away win – ideally this weekend. Mainz 05’s head coach made it clear again at his press conference ahead of the game away at SC Freiburg on Sunday that there would always be a time when this streak would change. The 05ers have failed to win an away game in the Bundesliga since their triumph in Leipzig on 1st April 2023. “However, this run will only end if we work hard,” said Henriksen ahead of the next final for his team. Four games will remain in Mainz’s fight for survival following the trip to SCF. “The next four weeks will hopefully be a lot of fun for us. We can’t wait to keep chasing the other teams down.”

The 05ers now need a positive result away from home following four games without defeat. Bo Henriksen’s side are looking to cause a stir in Freiburg with the backing of 2,100 travelling fans, whilst they also want to make things difficult for their opponents as they have done recently in the wins against Bochum, Darmstadt and Hoffenheim at the MEWA ARENA. The irrepressible desire to fight and win, which is shared by both the players and the fans, should be on display again at the Europa-Park-Stadion. “You can feel the mood in the city. It’s really important for us and we want to take this feeling with us to Freiburg,” highlighted Henriksen, who will have to do without Maxim Leitsch and Stefan Bell, as well as Jessic Ngankam, who has suffered a thigh strain. 

“We need to keep picking up points”

The upcoming clash in Freiburg would seem to be a more even match-up that Mainz’s past few away games against Bayer Leverkusen, FC Bayern and RB Leipzig, but Henriksen acknowledged that it won’t be any easier on the day. “They’re a good on the ball. They’re a creative side with skilful players who can create a lot of chances,” said the Dane, showing a great deal of respect for Christian Streich’s team. The SCF legend announced that he would step down as head coach after twelve years in the job earlier this season. Henriksen went on to say that there will only be presents for Streich after the game. 

He expects the 90 minutes before the final whistle to be all about “our power, our faith and our faith in our own abilities.” FSV have scored four goals in each of their last two games and have kept four clean sheets in eight games under Henriksen. They’ll be looking to use this same combination to give themselves the best possible chance of another important step towards survival. “We’ve got players who know how to score goals. We create chances every game. However, we’re aware that we’ve got to work hard and defend well. We’ve got to hunt as a pack. In this situation, we need to keep picking up points.”

Give 100 percent in every single game

While the atmosphere in and around the team is positive, Mainz have still got a long way to go in their quest for survival. The 05ers will need to approach the next five games as if they are all finals, and see what they can achieve with that mindset. With the side’s success as of late, the new-found spark ignited by Henriksen, the passion he is instilling in his team, and his belief in Mainz’s success in the relegation battle is clear to see within the players, club and city as a whole – both in training and on a matchday. “That’s how it has to be! I can see that this group will do absolutely everything within their power to survive. If we do our job, starting on Sunday, I’ll be happy,” explained the head coach. The 05ers are desperate to win their upcoming clash on the road, and will give their absolute all in this weekend's hunt for a vital three points.