In this week’s pre-match press conference, Bo Henriksen explained that he wants his Mainz side to be consistently “above average” in the Bundesliga. According to the Dane, it’s essential that the club has this mindset. After all, “we’re no better than most other teams”, which is precisely why the Dane stressed that showing power, commitment and passion is essential on a day-to-day basis if they want to achieve success at the highest level. The 05ers will need to be on their A-game when they take on 1. FC Heidenheim at the MEWA ARENA on Saturday afternoon. After achieving promotion to the Bundesliga last year and managing to keep their spot in the top division of German football with some style, even qualifying for the Europa Conference League in the process, FCH represent a big challenge for FSV.
The 05ers enjoyed a long weekend after securing their first win of the season in Augsburg. The first half of this week consisted of intensive training, as well as some padel on Monday. “We might have had our best training sessions of the season this week – the workload was high. If that’s the case, we’re doing well,” noted Henriksen confidently ahead of Saturday’s clash. The 49-year-old explained that his Mainz players are prepared to give it their all for 90 minutes in front of an almost sold-out home end at the MEWA ARENA. “We’re playing at home in our fantastic stadium. Most importantly, we need to go at full throttle”
Amiri absence represents “good test”
M05’s coaching staff have had their work cut out for them this week, as they have had to draw up a gameplan for taking on Heidenheim without the suspended Nadiem Amiri, who was sent off after picking up two bookings in last week’s match against Augsburg. Henriksen kept his cards close to his chest in Friday’s press conference, stating, “No footballers are irreplaceable” and emphasising that going into Saturday’s game without the midfield maestro will be a “good test” for Mainz, who are aiming to celebrate their first home win in their third outing at the MEWA ARENA this season. A strong defensive performance will be key to the 05ers’ chances at the weekend. Goalkeeper Robin Zentner, who currently finds himself in a rich vein of form, pointed out that there’s room for improvement at the back, given that Mainz have shipped eight goals in their last four games.
“We always score goals, but we need to be better defensively,” acknowledged FSV’s head coach, before going on to note that patience is needed with his side still finding their feet. After all, it always takes time “for new arrivals to internalise our principles”. That being said, each and every 05er has clearly taken to feeling the passion that is characteristic of the club. The coach in particular exemplifies this and transmits it to his players and fans in the stands. One thing is for sure on Saturday afternoon – Henriksen will be the first man out there on the pitch trying to psych the home fans up an hour before the clash against FCH kicks off. Roughly three hours later, the 05ers will know they’ve done enough to leapfrog Saturday’s opponents, who currently sit just one point above FSV in the table.