Jenz: Relaxed, honest and ambitious

New Mainz signing Moritz Jenz has played 33 games in the Bundesliga so far for Schalke 04 and VfL Wolfsburg, though he is still one of the most experienced players in the squad, having also played top-flight football in Switzerland (for Lausanne-Sport), in France (for FC Lorient) and in Scotland (Celtic). The Berlin-born defender is now hoping to feature as often as possible in the 2024/25 season, as he revealed when speaking to the media on Tuesday afternoon. The centre-back is hoping to show what he’s capable of on Sunday (17:30 CEST) against Werder Bremen.

The move to Mainz could have come at a far worse time for Jenz and his family. Due to the international break, the FSV players only had individual training from Thursday to Sunday, allowing him time to settle in to his new home. Mainz’s new number 3 has already been able to find a house for him, his wife and child, one of the many reasons why the defender is already feeling settled in his new city. “The club has a real family feeling about it, I’m enjoying it. It’s been an intense time, I’m slowly getting to know everyone and I feel great.” This positive start comes as no surprise to Jenz, who spoke to various ‘insiders’ before moving, including Ridle Baku in Wolfsburg, Tom Krauß and Jessic Ngankam, who all recommended the club. A conversation with coach Bo Henriksen provided the final conformation Jenz needed: “He gave me a great feeling straight away and it was therefore an easy decision for me. He’s really relaxed, but also direct and honest. I like that, that’s how I am too,” explained Jenz.

The sky is the limit

Jenz, who moved to Fulham from Tennis Borussia Berlin aged just 16, can’t wait for his competitive debut in Mainz colours. “The sky is the limit, but we still need to take things game by game. The team is really ambitious and has a good spirit,” he said. Jenz believes it’s always tough to face Mainz 05, something he knows from personal experience. He now wants to play his own part in maintaining this reputation. He sees himself as a ‘tower of strength’ and wants to fulfil the demands of the coach as best as possible. “He expects me to be a leader, to organise the team and to fight. I want to play as many games as I can at the highest level.” He will therefore be hoping to feature on Sunday at the MEWA ARENA when Werder Bremen visit to conclude matchday 3.

The new signing feels ready to start, having shaken off a minor thigh issue he had at Wolfsburg. Ultimately though, it’s up to the coach to pick the team. “The only thing that matters right now is to fully focus on this season with Mainz. I want to lead both on and off the pitch and show everyone that they can trust me. We want to press high up the pitch and be brave, which means that we have to be able to rely on each other a lot,” he added.