After completing his first training session back on the Bruchweg as a senior Germany international, Jonny Burkardt was in high spirits, with a smile spread across his face. In addition to an intense 90 minutes on the training pitch on Wednesday afternoon, the working day continued in the form of interviews, selfies with fans and signing autographs. “I don’t want things to be different. I have a responsibility and I know that,” explained the vice-captain, who also emphasised how proud his recent experience had made him. However, at the same time, he made it clear that his first two international caps would in no way alter his role at FSV. After his national team exploits with the, he is already well into the swing of things in Mainz once again.
Bo Henriksen had actually scheduled in a day of regeneration for his top goalscorer, but had already indicated on Tuesday that the striker might hold different desires. “Jonny is a nightmare because he always just wants to be out doing work on the field,” said the head coach, chuckling. He was proved right, having to give in after both the athletics trainer and the physiotherapists gave the player the green light to complete the full team training session. “I’m 100% ready and just wanted to get back out on the pitch with the lads,” explained Burkardt, acknowledging that the physical strain of the last week was nothing too great for him. Nevertheless, he expressed his joy in light of fulfilling a dream of his both in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in Munich against the Netherlands. The 05er came on for the closing stages as a substitute in both matches.
Burkardt the family-man ready for Leipzig with new experiences under his belt
“Very happy” was how the forward described himself after two appearances for Julian Nagelsmann’s side. “Nobody can ever take that away from me. At the stadium after both matches, I could see in my family’s eyes how proud they were. That was really special. It also meant a lot to everyone in Mainz.” On top of that, he has he gained invaluable experience through this time in the Germany ranks. Firstly, the 24-year-old noted the “significantly higher” standard in training. “Everything is done faster and with increased physicality. Your opponents are better athletes and possess a tad more quality as well,” said the 05ers’ home-grown player. The team structure reminded him of his club side and he felt that the impression previously received from an outsider’s perspective was accurate. “I was given a very warm welcome. Everything always seemed so harmonious looking on from afar and now I can confirm from my own experience that this impression is not at all incorrect. All in all, it was a lot of fun.” Burkardt was also impressed by Germany national team head coach Nagelsmann, referencing his meticulous nature as well as new tactical nous that he took away with him. His late call-up to the squad and the unexpected trip to play in the UEFA Nations League was “unbelievably exciting” for Burkardt, from which he returns home full of “cool, new impressions.”
Naturally, he hopes to incorporate what he has learned into his work on the Bruchweg and into his performances in FSV colours, which he will don again this Saturday afternoon in the clash with Leipzig, who are coached by ex-05er Marco Rose (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Burkardt does not feel any further readjustment is needed. “I’m just looking forward to the next game back with Mainz 05 and in front of our fans, who will be needed in this tough contest,” said the down-to-earth attacker. Two more exciting challenges in front of the home crowd then await his Mainz team. Just six days after the Leipzig game, Borussia Mönchengladbach come to town, and just five days after that it is the turn of FC Bayern München in the DFB-Pokal (30th October, kick-off 20:45 CEST). That means plenty of opportunities for Burkardt to build on his five goals so far this season and net his first one in front of the home fans to really get the MEWA-ARENA rocking again, since he has only scored on the road up until now.
