"The boys should feel at ease and enjoy their football"

Mainz 05 are looking to really turn things around this Saturday afternoon (15:30 CET), as they welcome Werder Bremen to the sold-out MEWA ARENA. After losing their last four straight home games, the home crowd are desperate to see their side win, something they’ve not been able to celebrate since mid-February after a 2-0 win over St. Pauli. Getting a win is the main goal against Bremen, a side who have not only won seven points from their last three games but have also beaten Mainz on each of the last four meetings between the clubs. The boss believes it’s about time to make a turnaround but still takes responsibility for the current situation. His instructions for his team, however, are to play with freedom and keep enjoying the game.

Bo Henriksen on...

…the Pokal exit during the week: “We’ve obviously discussed how conceding that first goal should never have happened. But we had a lot of energy and intent in our play and pressed high. There are still things to improve though and we know what they are. We need to defend better and get more players into the box. It’s a lot of little things, but they can all add up to something big. After the discussions we’ve had over the last few days, I’ve got a good feeling.”

...the squad situation ahead of the game against Werder: "We have the whole squad available, despite the hectic schedule. Everyone wants to be involved tomorrow and play his part on the day. It’s about time we picked up three points, that’s what we all need on Saturday, no matter who starts and who doesn’t. Sometimes it’s okay if it ends up scrappy in this respect.”

…what cannot be allowed to happen: “Across eight games, we’ve gone ahead twice. In the other matches, we’ve gone in for the break having conceded in the first half. That kind of thing is difficult for any team. We are absolutely determined to make it a lot more difficult for the opponent. In certain situations we have to be smarter, without being afraid of slipping up.”

...Benedict Hollerbach’s goal drought: “Benedict wants to be getting on the scoresheet, he is a striker. He’s staying positive and knows that it will come for him. You can’t try and change things up too much, you need to remain relaxed and free. I know that the situation will improve, his first goal is just a matter of time.”

…the pressure: “I take it all upon myself, the boys should feel at ease and enjoy their football, in the same way they would have done as five-year-old kids. They are allowed to make mistakes. The situation is similar to how it was a year and a half ago, and I have the same tools I did then. I don’t hide who I am and I’m remaining positive.”

...the opponent: “Bremen have a new coach and a new style of play. They want to play with the ball and we of course have huge respect for what will be a very tough opponent.”