“We need energy and trust in each other”

The international break is over, which means the international 05ers are back from their travels and a return to Bundesliga action is imminent. For FSV, that means a tough test on Saturday (18th October, 15:30 CEST) against Bayer 04 Leverkusen. This game is the first of seven that Mainz will play over the next three weeks, as they search for wins in the Bundesliga, as well as the DFB-Pokal and the UEFA Conference League. 

Leverkusen have overcome a tricky start to the season and head to Mainz in fifth place in the table with 11 points. Their most recent victory came in the form of a 2-0 win over 1. FC Union Berlin. In stark contrast, it’s not gone so well in the Bundesliga for FSV. Just under two weeks ago, Mainz were beaten 4-0 away at Hamburger SV, leaving them in 16th place in the table with just four points. Many 05ers will remember the last meeting with B04 fondly, as the crazy 2-2 draw between the two sides on the final day of last season meant that Mainz qualified for the UEFA Conference League playoffs. As part of the build-up to Saturday’s clash, boss Bo Henriksen held a press conference to answer questions from the media.

Bo Henriksen on...

...the availability of his squad: “The guys who were off on international duty and played quite a bit have trained less than the others this week. Other than Robin Zentner, Anthony Caci and Maxim Dal, I think everyone is available for tomorrow’s game.”

...this weekend’s opponents: “We’ve obviously done our analysis of Leverkusen; they’ve done really well in the last few weeks with their new coach. It’s going to be a tough task for us – we’ll look to put up some resistance with our press and hopefully some possession as well. If we go into it with enough energy, then there’s always a chance we can take some points off of Leverkusen.”

...the Mainz front line: “We’ve had a lot of things happen that have disrupted our attack which we’ve had to battle: Paul Nebel was suspended, while Jae-sung Lee and Benedict Hollerbach have both been injured, which makes it difficult to have a consistent front line. We didn’t score enough goals across the first few games – that much is clear, but we’re trying to sort that out and hope to take a step in the right direction on that front tomorrow.”

...his conversations with the team: “I’ve been speaking to everyone more and more these past few days and, along with the rest of the coaching staff, have set out a plan of how we want to approach this game, both tactically and mentally. I think we’re 100% ready and everyone knows what they have to do on Saturday. We need energy and trust in each other – that’s our DNA.”

...Leverkusen’s run of away form: “I wasn’t aware that they’re unbeaten in 34 away games. That’s not important for us though – what’s more important is that we do our job. We know they’re a good side and we respect them, but we also know that here at home we can beat anyone.”