Henriksen: "It should be a fun one"

The 2024/25 Bundesliga season is steadily approaching its conclusion and Mainz remain well in the mix for European qualification despite going six games without victory. The seventh-placed 05ers host local rivals Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday evening and hope that the backing of the home fans can spur them on to end the winless run.

head coach bo henriksen spoke in his press conference about...

...Stefan Bell‘s contract extension: “Bello is an icon and a legend of this club. Not only is he a great footballer but also an important figure in the dressing room, both for the team and coaching staff, since he has a great tactical understanding. It is crucial that we have players in our ranks who know what Mainz 05 stands for. I can always speak to him about things concerning the club. He has been great for us this season and when he has played, the team has performed well. He will continue to play a role for us on the pitch.”

...his late birthday celebration during the week: "The important thing is that I won our go-karting race (laughs). It was a great day for Bo.”

...Sunday’s match-up: “We are really looking forward to this, the third-to-last game of the season. The MEWA ARENA is sold-out and a lot more tickets would probably have been bought, too. It should be a fun one!”

...going six games without victory: “It is much more important to focus on the most recent fixture with Bayern, which we have analysed. With regard to expected goals, we defended the best of any side to visit the Allianz Arena this year and that says everything. The important thing is to keep spirits up. We know that we have not won in six games but our luck simply hasn’t been in on occasions as well. Sunday poses another chance for us to record a victory.”

...playing catch-up: “I don’t know if that is advantageous or not. Our match on Sunday is a massive one and we are excited for it. The feeling is that we played well against Bayern and also that we would win the fixture with Wolfsburg eight times out of 10 based on the way things went.”

...team news: “Final decisions are still yet to be made regarding Anthony Caci and Moritz Jenz. We hope that they can take part in training tomorrow and then we will know whether they are ready to play or not. Besides them, everyone is available.”

...opponents Frankfurt: “We are obviously aware of how good a team they are. Their transitional play is particularly impressive through the pacy front three so we will need to remain resolute at the back in order to deal with the quality they possess. Nevertheless, we also know that we have the ability to score against them. I believe that it will be an entertaining affair, full of chances and goals. They are very capable in the final third, but then so are we. Two good teams are set to go head-to-head.”