Approaching Stuttgart clash with respect, but no fear

One of the main talking points during Thursday afternoon’s press conference before 1. FSV Mainz 05’s match against VfB Stuttgart on Saturday was new signings, which is hardly surprising given that the summer transfer window slams shut just 20 hours before the clash is scheduled to kick off (15:30 CEST). Most of the questions fielded by head coach Bo Henriksen and board member for sport Christian Heidel related to the two newest 05ers – Moritz Jenz and Hyunseok Hong –, as well as more late moves that FSV could make in the market.

The most important quotes about the window

Christian Heidel on transfer fees: “We were able to make it clear relatively quickly that we weren’t willing to pay over market value despite the funds we received from Brajan Gruda’s sale. If it had happened six weeks ago, we would have spent more than we have now. The process took a number of weeks – it goes without saying that both players have been on our radar for longer, though. We waited until the time was right for us and then came to an agreement with Gent’s representatives in the space of 20 minutes. The numbers would have looked very different if the deal went through a couple of weeks ago. Moritz Jenz is here on loan, which is completely different.”

Heidel on whether more transfers are still possible: “At this stage, never say never. At the end of the day, anything is possible, but we’re well-equipped and the squad is a good size. That being said, the market is changing on a minute-by-minute basis at the moment.”

Bo Henriksen on the squad: “Of course, we’re happy with these two players, who will hopefully be able to help us straight away. We did everything we could in the transfer window to assemble the best team possible. We want the best result we can get, and I hope we’ll be able to bring another player in – that would be perfect. If things don’t work out, we’ve still got a good team that I’m very happy with.”

Henriksen on Hong: “Hong can play as a ten or as an eight, as well as on the wing. He’s a versatile, talented player who has incredible stamina. I think that he’s going to be important for us. He’s left-footed, can turn his way out of danger and is a big goal threat – it’s almost like having another Lee! He’s good at reading the game and is a clever operator on the pitch. He also likes to tackle and press. That is the sort of player who can excel at Mainz 05."

Henriksen on Jenz: “Moritz Jenz was ranked two places higher than Sepp van den Berg in terms of aerial duels last season. That’s just a statistic, but it speaks volumes. We know what we’ve signed. He’s fit, has trained with Wolfsburg and is a quality player.”

Heidel on transfer decisions: “The group that discusses signings has gotten a little bigger. Martin is still there, as well as Nico and Meikel. We speak in the mornings, afternoons and evenings, and sometimes ring each other at night. It’s a very productive collaboration. I’m really pleased that I get to hear different viewpoints. We also include Bo, of course.”

More quotes on the upcoming challenge and other members of the squad

Henriksen on the clash in Stuttgart: “We know that it’s going to be a tough game. We’ve got respect, but no fear. They’re happy playing anywhere on the pitch and have a very good team. I hope that we’ll get chances. We’ll go into the game with a lot of energy and want to head back with a good result. It goes without saying that it’ll be a completely different game to last week. Union played long balls over the top time and again, while Stuttgart like to have the ball at their feet. We’re going to be compact – we need to make sure we defend the half spaces and close the midfield. If we manage to do that, we can win the ball high up the pitch. As always, we’re going there to win.”

Doubts for the squad: “Jonny Burkardt picked up a knock during the week and we’ll have to wait and see with Jenz – he trained individually today. That being said, I’m assuming that everyone will be fit for Saturday.”

Henriksen on Stefan Bell (read the interview here): “Bello has nine lives – he keeps on coming back! He’s a great guy and a fantastic person who’s important to have in the dressing room. He came on in the 33rd minute against Union and was incredibly good when you consider he hasn’t played for a while. He’s charismatic and hopefully he’ll play a lot this season.”

Heidel on Bell: “You can also see how much we value Bello from the fact that we extended his contract, even though he hasn’t played in six months. We know him and it was clear to us that he should come back. He knows the club inside out and knows how we do things at Mainz 05. He’s also important for communication. Obviously, we extended his contract because he’s a talented player, too. On Saturday, he played like he had never been away – that’s what makes him stand out.”