A familiar face was back at Bruchweg for 1. FSV Mainz 05’s first training session of pre-season – after two years out on loan at Karlsruhe, attacking midfielder Paul Nebel made his return to the club. Sporting director Christian Heidel feels that the 21-year-old has become a “seasoned professional” over the course of his loan spell, and Nebel himself confirms: “I have matured.” Nebel went on to explain his confidence ahead of his return to the top flight, and why the M05 coaching staff were so keen to see him return to the first-team squad. “I felt at home in Karlsruhe. But I always wanted to step up and play in the Bundesliga again. My goal has always been to become a regular at Mainz. After talking with the coaching team, I had a really good feeling.” While returning to the 05ers has felt like something of a homecoming for Nebel, it also represents a significant step in his career.
The versatile offensive player made a total of 68 appearances in his time at Karlsruhe, scoring 9 goals and assisting 17. He established himself as a first team player at KSC, playing either behind the central striker or out on the wing. The loan spell has given Nebel a chance to develop his skills and gain a stronger understanding of his strengths and weaknesses, which he hopes will help him thrive in the Bundesliga. “I’ve become more mature in my decision-making,” he says. The experienced Lars Stindl, who acted as something of a mentor to Nebel at KSC, has also helped him. In addition, Nebel says the time spent in a different city has helped him to grow personally.
Too much, too soon?
During his first spell at Mainz, Nebel rose through the ranks at a rapid pace – perhaps even too quickly. Nebel joined the first team for training aged 16, and made his Bundesliga debut in Leipzig just shy of his 18th birthday. After that, however, he returned to the U23s in the Regionalliga Südwest, while continuing to make sporadic appearances in the Bundesliga. About those early years, Nebel says: “I was only 17, so I was actually still only an U19 player. The U23s were also a very good step. But I found it difficult to settle for that. I had already played a few games in the Bundesliga and I wanted to stay at that level. It wasn’t always easy, but it’s normal and part of a young player’s journey. That’s why the loan was the right move for me – I needed to assert myself as a first-team player.”
And now, at 21, he finally feels ready for the Bundesliga. “I want to assert myself and play as much as possible. I’m aware that it won’t be that easy, but I’m going to do everything I can to boost my chances.” Nebel faces stiff competition in attacking midfield, but he is ready to fight for his place. “It’s the same thing all over the pitch – I’m well aware that I’ll have to earn playing time. I know I can offer something to the team, so I’ll give it everything and hopefully it’ll pay off. But I know nothing’s guaranteed.”
Spurred on by the head coach
Nebel’s optimism has also been fuelled by head coach Bo Henriksen. “His manner has spurred me on because I’m the type of player who’ll keep running all game and thrives on confidence.” You can tell that the youngster is itching for the season to get underway – his excitement at running out in front of the fans in the Bundesliga is palpable. “I’m fired up,” he says, making it clear that he is a different animal to the boy who left for Karlsruhe two years ago.