Bell: Continue to build on this

Exactly 262 days separated Stefan Bell’s last appearance in the Bundesliga in last December and his return in the DFB-Pokal around two weeks ago at SV Wehen Wiesbaden. The experienced defender was completely out of action for around four months due to myocarditis. During this period, Bell had to avoid all physical stress and was limited to just a few walks. He took the opportunity to spend more time with his family and loved ones. Despite his contract expiring and not knowing when he’d be able to play sport again, Bell never had any doubts. “I just saw the situation, which I couldn’t change, as a challenge and as motivation,” he explained. After returning to the training ground in the final weeks of last season to work with his teammates again, the club’s all-time record appearance holder in the Bundesliga signed a new contract over the summer. He played for the 267th time in the top flight last weekend against Union Berlin, and he wants to continue adding to this tally in the future.

In an interview before the game at VfB Stuttgart on Saturday (15:30 CEST), the 33-year-old discussed his game time at the start of the season, how much the fans mean to him and the challenges ahead for FSV.

Stefan, how have you coped with the minutes you’ve had so far at the start of the new competitive season?

Bell: "Really well, I‘ve had no problems, even if I’ve played a lot more minutes than I’d expected to. I feel good and I’m ready for more. The heat at the MEWA ARENA was obviously pretty tough at the weekend. Match practice is something that I’ve lacked though – for example, sprinting, quick changes of direction, making quick decisions under pressure – these are just things that come with time though.”

How happy were you with the way you and the team played?

Bell: "I felt like I started well despite coming on at an unusual time of the game. There were a few moments that gave me confidence soon after my introduction. We were solid for large parts of the game and kept things pretty tight. Overall, it was a decent performance, not a great one and not a bad one. We didn’t win the ball back high up the pitch often enough, but that was partly due to the number of long balls Union played. We have room for improvement in possession. We need to have more confidence in ourselves and set up our attacks better. That doesn’t mean playing it long too soon or looking to get it in behind, but looking to find space by aiming to get a reaction from the opposition. There are definitely different ways of doing that. It was a typical game against Union, and you often don’t take too many risks in the first game of the season.”

Did you have any doubts earlier this year about whether you could return?

Bell: “I just saw the situation, which I couldn’t change, as a challenge and as motivation. Not being able to do much for four months was obviously a pretty strange time. I was then just unsure of how long it would take to get me back to the level of a Bundesliga player. All you can do is work hard on yourself and be ready if required. That was my aim, I knew that I wouldn’t be a regular in the side immediately. I was ready to be patient.”

The fans got you to lead the celebratory ‘Humba’ chant after the Wiesbaden game and then congratulated you on your 33rd birthday at home last weekend. What does this love from the fans mean to you?

Bell: "I’m pleased that they appreciated the fact that I fought my way back. They were special moments, and I’ve thankfully experienced a number of those during my time here. Players who have been here for a long time and have a real connection to the club are really important in my view. It’s what makes Mainz 05 so special.”

How many more birthdays do you think you’ll have as a professional footballer?

Bell: "(laughs) That’s a good question. Every year could be my last, but I’ll just see what happens. It depends on how the season goes and how my body is. Both sides will then decide sometime in the spring if we want to carry on together. I’ve been here long enough and I’m really relaxed about it. It’s not a new situation for me and I’m not getting any younger, but I still have the desire and right now I want to play football still.

What are some of the differences in how the team works together at the start of a new season, compared to under very different circumstances earlier this year when we were in the middle of a relegation battle?

Bell: “Of course we’ve continued working on several areas over the last weeks that defined us in the second half of last season – areas such as intensity, power and our energy when working against the ball remain the foundations. But, our games right now aren’t characterised by this do-or-die feeling anymore. It’s important to come up with several options for yourself as a team. Our opponents prepare for how they expect us to play and how they want to challenge us. It might be the case that they let us have more possession in order to defend deep. We need to be prepared for that. The trick is to not neglect the basics, while also continuing to improve in all areas. It helps if you know each other well, as it makes it easier for a team to be in sync. That’s the phase we’re currently in, especially with the transfer window set to close at the end of the week.”

What’s your impression of the atmosphere surrounding the club?

Bell: “As a team, we’ve witnessed an extremely positive development in this area. The atmosphere in Wiesbaden was already a special one, and you could feel how excited the fans were. The end of last season really sparked something within the club. It’s likely also due to the intensity we showed on a daily basis and the final push that saw us secure safety. We also managed to stand for something once again. The challenge will be to keep it going and to build on this. But, that doesn’t mean that we need to now switch to playing a more possession-based style of play.”

Your former teammate Niko Bungert was appointed FSV sporting director a few weeks ago. Is his journey with the club also a source of inspiration?

Bell: “One thing that defines Mainz 05 is that the club offers opportunities to advance in every department. There’s a lot of possibilities. Niko has been able to observe and learn a lot over the last years, especially as a trainee. That allowed him to gain an in-depth insight into what goes on behind the scenes, and he’s now been appointed into a good role. It’s great to see the value that’s placed on providing opportunities for such a development here. It’s not something I’m thinking about now, however, as I’d rather focus fully on my job as a player.”

We’re away against last season’s runners-up from Stuttgart at the weekend. What can we expect to come up against there?

Bell: “They’ve had to deal with some of the downsides that come with having been very successful last season. Several players played extremely well and drew the attention of other clubs as a result. The team now need to find themselves again. They will certainly play differently to Union. They are defined by a very controlled style of build-up play and possession. This means that we will be called upon to press even more. It will require us to put them under pressure and to defend against passes into the areas around the box. We’re looking forward to the game and what’s set to be a fantastic atmosphere.”