“Nine finals, just like last season”

One of the standout games on matchday 26 of the Bundesliga will take place at the sold-out MEWA ARENA when third-placed Mainz 05 host fifth-placed SC Freiburg on Saturday afternoon (15:30 CET). It’s a clash of the league’s surprise packages, with few German football fans likely to have predicted the two teams to be in the hunt for Champions League qualification this late on in the campaign. One day before their 120-year anniversary, the 05ers – set to wear a special kit to mark the occasion – will be aiming to keep the Breisgau club at arm’s length. However, getting past their rock-solid defence will be no mean feat, with SC having not let in a goal for almost 600 minutes. “Normally we don’t have any problems scoring at home,” a confident Bo Henriksen said at his pre-match press conference on Friday. “It's a big game for all of us, and we're proud that we've worked our way into this position,” said the head coach, who hopes to make it a day to remember in Mainz.

Bo Henriksen on...

...the significance of being third with nine matchdays remaining: “I know it sounds a bit boring, but for me, the next match is what counts. We've got nine games left, nine finals, just like last season. Back then, we picked up 19 points – if we manage that again, we'll have a lot of fun. It's exciting, and honestly, we didn't expect to be in third place at this stage. But we’ve still got a tough run of fixtures ahead. The next game, the next performance – that’s what matters most to me.”

...the difference compared to last spring: “It feels completely different. Back then, it was a really tough time for the whole club, and my job was to project energy. Now, everyone’s happy when I arrive at Bruchweg – I don’t have to lift anyone’s spirits. We work hard in training, but we know how to enjoy ourselves at the right moments. We can achieve something special this season, and that's exciting. Last year was all about preventing something from happening – that’s a very different kind of pressure.”

...the past 13 months since taking charge: “Of course, it's been crazy – everyone has seen that. But even before I signed my contract, I'd analysed the squad and knew they had quality. You can still see that today – a lot of those players are still here, and that's crucial for our success. The boys work hard every day and want to improve. We're on this path because everyone at the club is pulling together and striving to develop.”

...the significance of the match: “It's a big game for all of us, and we're proud that we've worked our way into this position. But we haven’t achieved anything yet. Tomorrow will be an exciting contest between two good teams, and we want to come out on top again. We want to deliver another strong performance with the right result. It’s a six-pointer, and the pressure is on Freiburg.”

...Freiburg's recent run of clean sheets: “They defend really well, but it's not like they haven’t conceded chances in recent weeks. Their back four don’t push forward as aggressively as some other teams, and they leave little space behind them. It’ll be a different kind of game, and we’ll face different challenges in attack. We've got a plan, and hopefully, you'll be able to see it in action tomorrow.”

...his trust in his team's mentality: “During carnival, we were the kings of the city – people celebrated us like world champions. After that, I was a little concerned, but four days later the boys were back at 100% in Mönchengladbach. That made me proud because it comes from within the players – from the heart. They're never satisfied, and it’s not always about my motivation.”

...Jonny & Nadiem's Germany call-ups: “Those two aren’t just good footballers – they’re great characters and incredibly important for Mainz 05. They've had an outstanding season so far, and I’m really pleased for them. I know both had set themselves the big goal of getting back into the squad. It’s every footballer's dream to play for their country. We’re proud of them, but it’s also a recognition of the other players and the entire club. It’s a boost for Jonny and Nadiem, but also for everyone else. Maybe we’ll see even more Mainz players in the German national team in the future. Paul Nebel and Nelly Weiper are with the U21s. Robin Zentner deserves a chance too – I hope he gets his opportunity soon.”