“We’re not far off finding the key to all this”

The international break has come to an end, meaning it’s time for those 05ers who have been off representing their countries to return to Mainz. The majority of the squad took part in Monday’s training session, with those on international duty expected to return at various points throughout the week. Bo Henriksen mentioned how the team has used the break to process and really break down the loss to Hamburger SV: “We’ve obviously analysed the game. The break was good for us though, both mentally and for recovery, as we’ve got a busy schedule of games coming up,” explained the Mainz head coach after Monday’s training session. The aim of the next few weeks is clear: “The most important thing for us is to get more points on the board, as well as improving our performances, as we’re not 100% satisfied with them. We’re getting into good situations, but we need to start taking our chances and scoring goals,” said the Dane, who did also praise his side: “I’ve been really pleased with the attitude and the effort we’ve shown this season, but there’s obviously room for improvement.”

“We didn’t get off to a great start”

According to the boss, intense training sessions are the first step on the road to improvement, but it’s getting that self-confidence in games that matters even more. “We need to get that by winning games. Winning gives you that self-confidence which in turn makes winning again a lot easier.” The 05ers have won games in the DFB-Pokal and the UEFA Conference League, however after six Bundesliga matchdays, Mainz have only tasted victory in Augsburg. “We are under a bit of pressure in the league - that much is clear. We didn’t have the great start that we did in the cup and the Conference League. We really aren’t that far off finding the key to all this though,” said the optimistic Henriksen.

“We need to want it more”

The boss will have most of the squad at his disposal this weekend, with only Robin Zentner (suspended), Anthony Caci and Maxim Dal missing: “Stefan Bell is back in the squad while Benedict Hollerbach, Jae-sung Lee, Paul Nebel and Dominik Kohr have all gotten more game time recently.  With three red cards in six Bundesliga games and a number of injuries, it’s been impossible for us to play with a consistent team, which doesn’t help.” According to Henriksen, there is a trick to improving: “We need to want it more – that’s the most important thing in football. For me, that means not just winning the first ball, but also the second, as well as winning our aerial duels. This is something that set us apart last season, and we need to become a bit cleverer in this area.” The first chance for FSV to show their improvement comes on Saturday, when they take on Bayer 04 Leverkusen at the MEWA ARENA (18th October, 15:30 CEST).