Sieb: “A bit of a free spirit”

Armindo Sieb bagged three goals in his first 45 minutes as an FSV player in the first friendly in Langenlonsheim, underlining his clinical nature in the final third, even if the standard of the opposition obviously wasn’t the best. “Scoring goals is always a good thing as an attacker, regardless of the opposition. I was therefore pleased with my return,” said the 21-year-old after the first training session of the new week at the Bruchwegstadion. After spending two years in the second division at SpVgg Greuther Fürth (16 goals), Sieb has now been loaned by FC Bayern to Mainz for a further two years. He now wants to prove himself at a higher level and have a successful season with Mainz 05. “I want to take my chance to impress here. It’s always been clear to me that I want to make it as a Bundesliga player, and the sooner the better.”

Away from training, Sieb has taken time to discover his new home a little bit. “I’ve driven through the area on a scooter to check out the city.” Aside from that though, a lot of his focus has been on recovering from the tiring training sessions, ensuring he eats well and gets lots of sleep. “I’m somebody that likes to be at home,” he reported. When asked about his reasons for choosing to join Mainz, the 21-year-old replied: “I think we had some really positive conversations. The club had been trying to sign me for a while and that was pretty important for me. Being so valued is key to me feeling comfortable.”

At home behind the striker

The summer signing is fully aware that stepping up to the top flight will be a big challenge, but he believes he can be successful with lots of hard work. “This league is a different kettle of fish, there is more competition. I have to get stuck in and see how the coach wants to use me.” The versatile attacker feels his best position is behind the striker, allowing him to get into the half spaces where he can show his creativity and also score goals. “I’m a bit of a free spirit and like to show my attacking qualities,” he added, whilst also revealing that in Fürth he “found the right mix between technical ability and physicality.” On top of that, he had to press a lot for his former side, something that “will also be required of him here.”

Overall, Sieb feels it’s important that he learns how to establish himself in the Bundesliga and be successful in the division. A potential return to FC Bayern after his loan spell with FSV is not on his mind right now. “My full focus is on Mainz. I’m going to give my all to perform to my best here. I’m still a young player and need minutes.” Sieb will be hoping to play as much as he can in Mainz colours – and make his Bundesliga debut as soon as possible.