Focus on attacking play

“The real work starts tomorrow,” Bo Henriksen said on Wednesday after a light-hearted first session at the Wörgl training ground – and the Mainz head coach made good on that promise on Thursday morning. The team’s second day in Tyrol began with a significantly longer and more intense training session, focused primarily on attacking patterns in the half-spaces – a theme that will take centre stage in Friday’s friendly against Austrian third-tier side SV Seekirchen (15:30 CEST, Kaiserwinkl Arena in Kössen). “We’ll likely see more of the ball against Seekirchen than we will on Tuesday against Crystal Palace,” said Henriksen, with the Premier League side set to provide the opposition next week (14:00 CEST, Hans-Ludwig-Stadion near Salzburg).

The morning began with a 35-minute video session at the Hohe Salve hotel, followed by warm-up drills in the performance tent. From there, the squad moved onto the pitch for around 90 minutes of intensive tactical work in possession. The session centred on building up play under pressure, high pressing to win the ball, and quick, explosive transitions – all rehearsed in various small-sided formations across half a pitch. Henriksen was in the thick of it throughout, coaching and correcting as the session progressed. That was followed by drills focusing on movement in the half-spaces and picking the right moment for through balls. Meanwhile, a second group worked on finishing from crosses. “It was also important to make sure there was a bit of fun at the end,” Henriksen told reporters afterwards. The final 20-minute training match was competitive and high tempo.

Looking to Leverkusen

Henriksen had already mentioned on Wednesday that the team are working on developing a “Plan B” for the new season. The aim is to be better equipped against sides who look to disrupt FSV’s rhythm with long balls – but also to develop more variety in Mainz’s own attacking play, particularly when chasing a game. As the Dane explained, it’s about having more ways to respond in difficult moments. “Leverkusen scored a lot of goals late in games – and that’s not just down to luck.”

Alongside the tactical work, a training camp is always a chance to strengthen team spirit – something Henriksen has no concerns about. The captaincy question, addressed by Nadiem Amiri in yesterday’s media session, isn’t an issue for the head coach either. “We have an incredibly strong group. Silvan is an outstanding captain. He brings everyone together and is a great person.” Amiri is part of the team council alongside Robin Zentner, Dominik Kohr, and Phillipp Mwene.