Heading to Leverkusen “bravely, confidently and full of drive”

There aren’t many more difficult tasks in the Bundesliga this season than Mainz 05’s next away game at Bayer 04 Leverkusen on Friday evening (20:30 CET). Xabi Alonso’s side are still unbeaten this campaign and sit top of the table, eight points ahead of FC Bayern. This is a challenge that the new 05 head coach Bo Henriksen and his team are relishing and will approach “bravely, confidently and full of drive”, as he made clear in the press conference on Thursday.

A second win of the season against Augsburg was the perfect, emotional debut in the dugout for the Dane, and it has clearly lifted the mood. The 05ers have taken the boost from last weekend into this new week, and prepared intensively for the match at the BayArena. There is still a long way to go in the relegation battle, but the belief in still having a chance at the end is back at the Bruchweg. Henriksen is aware that “we need good results that bring us together.” “Everyone gave their all and fought for the win over Augsburg.”

With a good game plan

This exact attitude will also have to be the basis for the encounter in Leverkusen. The Dane expects a “great game against a fantastic opponent.” His team has had to deal with several absences due to a cold this week. It is clear though that “we will have 20 players available who are very up for this game and will fight across the whole of the pitch – and who also believe that it’s possible to get something out of this game. The Mainz head coach continued: “We don’t just want to have highly motivated players, but also a good game plan. And we hope that this plan will bear fruit. We will have no fear, even though we know how good Bayer Leverkusen are.”

The Werkself are on a 32-game unbeaten run in all competitions. “They’re currently the best team in Germany.” Accordingly, the Dane was unable to talk about any weaknesses in Bayer Leverkusen’s ranks that he’s hoping to target. “They’ve got a good starting XI, are good on the ball, defend well and get forward quickly.” Henriksen noted that all good things come to an end, however. “Anything can happen in football,” he declared, before going on to say that the 05ers want to be competitive and take their chances.

No fear, just respect

FSV’s head coach has been able to get some information out of new arrival Nadiem Amiri, who very recently played for Leverkusen and is therefore very well-informed about Friday’s opponents. “I’ve spoken with him, but more about us than about Leverkusen.” Amiri has become the focal point of FSV’s midfield in a matter of weeks and has shown his willingness to get forward and lead by example from his very first minute in a Mainz kit. “He’s an exceptional player. He gives it his all in training and wants to be a part of the team. His link-up play with Leandro Barreiro has also been very good so far.”

The Dane names bravery on the ball, strength in individual battles, compactness and a high press as factors that will decide the game in Leverkusen. “We can’t have fear, just respect.” They don’t just want to defend, but also attack. The victory over Augsburg has given them a taste for more. “We are hungry for a win. We want to have more games and wins like we did on Saturday,” Mainz picked up a 3-2 away win in the corresponding fixture last season. “I hope we can repeat that on Friday,” said Henriksen.