Henriksen: “I believe in these boys. They’re ready to fight”

The 49-year-old is fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead of his team in the coming weeks, and knows just how decisive the next few games will be for Mainz when it comes to the relegation battle. Above all, Henriksen is feeling hopeful that the 2023/24 season will have a happy ending for the 05ers, despite the multitude of difficulties they faced throughout the campaign. On Saturday, 5th April (15:30 CEST), the boys will have the opportunity to continue in their quest to climb out of the bottom three when they take on SV Darmstadt 98 at the MEWA ARENA.

“When we put in a good performance and work hard on the pitch, the fans are on our side. We have to treat each of the coming games as if they are all finals. Every footballer loves a final, so what more could you want?” remarked the head coach following the first public session of the week (Wednesday’s training at 11:00 CEST is also open for fans to spectate). Bo has every faith in his team, which, with the exception of the game against FC Bayern, has grown even stronger following the 05ers’ strong performances at the Bruchweg over the past few weeks. “I believe in these boys. They’re ready to fight for each other.” This was certainly evident in Mainz’s display over the Easter weekend, which saw the 05ers pick up a hard-fought point from a goalless draw against fifth-place RB Leipzig at the Red Bull Arena. “The team spirit is clear to see. It’s been a tough season so far with a lot of adversity, but we now have another opportunity to turn things around. After almost sinking to the bottom earlier this season, we’ve never felt more alive than we do now. I’m delighted to be a part of it,” Henriksen explained. 

Positive signals from Nelson Weiper

With three points against the league’s 18th-placed side Darmstadt, FSV have the chance to distance themselves further from one of their direct competitors at the bottom of the table and keep their opponents firmly in the relegation zone. Henriksen told his team again after returning from Leipzig on Sunday that, at the end of the day, it’s not important what results the other teams get. “We can’t affect that. We have to do what we have to do and concentrate on our own game.” A week after the Darmstadt game, TSG Hoffenheim travel to Mainz. Then, after the away game in Freiburg, 1. FC Köln visit the MEWA ARENA. “We’re looking forward to these. They’ll be fantastic games and hopefully with a happy ending for us.”

Henriksen is also encouraged by the squad situation. “For the first time in a long while, almost the whole squad is available.” Apart from centre-backs Maxim Leitsch and Stefan Bell, who are still absent, the Mainz head coach has a wealth of options available to him. Even striker Nelson Weiper completed the full training session on Tuesday and could be another of the many attacking options for Saturday’s meeting with Darmstadt.