“Crazy three months” in a special season

Christian Heidel and Martin Schmidt secured the signature of a key player for Mainz 05’s 16th consecutive season in the Bundesliga shortly before the final press conference of the 2023/24 season. Nadiem Amiri, one of Mainz’s key figures in the successful survival push, has extended his contract until 2028. “Last season was one of the most emotional of my career,” Amiri explained, and Heidel, Schmidt and head coach Bo Henriksen also agreed wholeheartedly with the midfielder that it was a very special season for the 05ers in retrospect. “One that I will never forget,” said the board member for sport.

FSV only secured survival on the final matchday in Wolfsburg with their first away win of the season following a sensational recovery under Henriksen. The 05ers had three different head coaches during the season in the shape of Bo Svensson, Jan Siewert and Henriksen. FSV weren’t only successful on the pitch during the run-in as they went on a nine-game unbeaten run to secure their place in the top flight next season. They also managed to create a special atmosphere using the slogan “Never give up” as crucial solidarity emerged between the fans and the team, and the club and the whole city. “This atmosphere played a fundamentally important role,” said Heidel. “We all learned an incredible amount from the second half of the season. This city grew together once again. It was a lot of fun at the end. I could get used to witnessing games like the one in Wolfsburg. The atmosphere was very special – this season was special. Something has arisen again.”

Awakening an entire city

Things really didn’t look good following the 3-1 defeat away at VfB Stuttgart, both in terms of the table and the mood around the club. The 05ers had just 12 points from 21 games at that point. Following Svensson’s exit, who had increasingly struggled to get the team back to winning ways, Siewert came in and stabilised the 05ers, especially in defence, but FSV still found it difficult to pick up wins. Siewert’s side were lacking some luck, whilst a lengthy injury list didn’t make things any easier. Mainz’s board member for sport admitted that he aged a little bit during the first half of the season. 

However, Henriksen then arrived at the Bruchweg. The Dane didn’t just captivate Heidel, but also the team, the fans and an entire city with his contagious nature full of positive energy, courage and optimism. “The squad was complete at the end of January when all the injured players returned and we signed Amiri. Then we still needed someone from the outside – an impulse, a source of energy, someone who could lift heads and walk in unburdened by what had happened previously.” Heidel and Schmidt found the Dane at FC Zürich in Switzerland and brought him to Mainz. The 05ers had momentum on their side from the home game against Augsburg onwards, losing just two games in Munich and Leverkusen. 

“We need to continue to build on this culture”

What Henriksen made look simple as a result of his seemingly boundless energy was the result of hard work every second, every training session and every minute on the pitch. “It was hard,” admitted the Dane. “We were under pressure for so long. However, it was fun to be part of a group that achieved survival together – with the team, staff and the entire city. It was a crazy three months. However, we’ve developed a lot over the course of the 13 games. It’s an ongoing process,” explained Henriksen, who still sees plenty of potential. “The most important thing is our DNA, which has existed here for many years, this high-intensity football. We need to continue to build on this culture because it belongs to the club. We’re on the right track.”

Squad planning underway

It starts all over again in around three months. “That’s how it goes as a football coach. These feelings and emotions that you experience together are how you get your energy back,” exclaimed Henriksen, who is already full of enthusiasm for pre-season and the new season just three days after the end of the 2023/24 season. Those in charge of the sporting side of things at FSV have already come together to continue planning what the squad will look like for the upcoming season. There will continue to be a maximum of 23 outfield players and three goalkeepers. Alongside the signing of Nadiem Amiri, there will be further talks in the coming weeks. Discussions with Sepp van den Berg, who has become the Mainz’s undisputed leader in defence, are one example as the 05ers would like to sign the centre-back permanently. “Of course there will be changes – that’s normal in football,” said Henriksen, who has already got plenty of confidence in his squad. “We could play a Bundesliga game tomorrow and we’d already be in a good position,” added Heidel. However, it will certainly be challenging to replace the player profile provided by Leo Barreiro, who has left the club after eight years.

This task will be just like all the other challenges which have always been conquered together in Mainz. “All Mainz fans can be proud of this. We want to carry this feeling into the new season,” said Heidel.