Amiri in, Burkardt out for Berlin

Mainz began the new year with a win against Bochum and a defeat in Leverkusen to reach the halfway point of the Bundesliga campaign. With 17 of 34 matchdays played, they have solidified a place in the top half of the table and, not only that, FSV’s haul of 28 points to date is their second-best at this stage of a Bundesliga season in the club’s history. To kick off the latter half of the campaign, the 05ers travel to the capital, where a clash with Union Berlin at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei awaits on Sunday (kick-off 15:30 CET).

While Mainz have found consistent positive form, their hosts have had a tough start to life in 2025, losing both of their matches so far this year, first away to Heidenheim before a home defeat at the hands of Augsburg. In fact, the capital club’s last win came all the way back in October. With 17 points on the board, Union sit 13th in the table. Both sides are hoping to improve on the result of the reverse fixture, when the spoils had to be shared.

head coach Bo Henriksen spoke in his press conference about...

...Jonny Burkardt’s latest injury: “We are pleased that it doesn’t appear to be a bad injury. That’s good both for him and the team. It was really unlucky because he knows his own body and had felt fit ahead of the game but you can’t be in control of everything in football. Jonny is remaining optimistic, though, and hopes to return soon.”

...squad updates ahead of Union: “The game is probably a bit too early for Moritz Jenz to make his comeback but we’re not 100% sure right now. We will wait and see whether he can be an option. Stefan Bell is fit and Nadiem Amiri is back following his suspension. Everyone has come through the busy schedule well and is ready and raring to go.”

... Armindo Sieb’s development: “Armindo has been progressing steadily over the past weeks and months and provides us with a very good option. When he arrived in the summer, he was only really capable of playing 15 to 20 minutes, but he can last 60 to 70 now. He trains effectively each week, and I hope that he can play the full 90 minutes very soon.”

...his suspension on Sunday: “The rules state that I can’t be in the locker room within 30 minutes of kick-off. I have to watch from the stands during the match but will be in contact with Michael Silberbauer on the touchline. I don’t think that will make a difference to the players, though. We have enough leaders who can shoulder the added responsibility.”

...Union Berlin’s style of play: “They have a new coach who brings a very different tactical approach. We have obviously analysed what that means for their game and we are aware of the tricky nature of the task ahead of us in Berlin. Nevertheless, we also know that we have a good chance of winning if we can put our own stamp on proceedings.”