“We’re only a good team when we do all of that”

1. FSV Mainz 05 are now unbeaten in 11 consecutive Bundesliga games, a run stretching back to last season. In front of their own fans, the undefeated streak currently stands at eight matches. This Sunday (17:30 CEST), however, sees the last team to defeat FSV at the MEWA ARENA, Werder Bremen, return for matchday 3 of the new Bundesliga season. SVW ran out 1-0 winners back at the start of February, though Bo Henriksen isn’t too interested in the importance of that defeat. Instead, the Dane is aiming for the first win of the campaign after two draws to start off with. “We’ve got lots of respect for them, but we have a good chance, especially with our fans there, who are so important to us. The amazing atmosphere has pushed us on so much in recent months,” said the FSV head coach at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.

The friendly against Darmstadt 98, which the Mainz coach didn’t want to go over again, is in the past now. Training over the past few days has given Henriksen a good feeling following the international break. “I saw power, emotion and energy on the pitch and I’m confident we’ll be more than ready on Sunday.” The Dane is expecting a good performance from his team, stating “that’s the most important thing for me.” One thing the players need to do, according to Henriksen, is ensure they start brightly, unlike in Stuttgart last time out. He also criticised the lack of bravery in the opening game against Union Berlin, when his team failed to build on Nadiem Admiri’s opening goal. “We have to keep on attacking,” he said when asked on how his team should best defend a lead. “We need to fight, work hard, be brave and play with heart. We’re only a good team when we do all of that. The most important thing in life and in football is to always be positive and to have a go. You’ll encounter problems if you just look to defend. We can’t allow ourselves to think too much about things and have to stay true to ourselves.”

New signing Moritz Jenz could come into the team for the first time after having missed the game in Stuttgart with a knock. He feels ready to take on the leadership role the coach wants him to assume. “He’s a good guy to have in the dressing room,” praised Henriksen, adding: “He’s a leader, an organiser and incredibly strong in the air.” The 05ers may be without Andreas Hanche-Olsen. The defender had to come off in Norway’s game against Austria after a clash with a teammate. There is still hope yet that the centre-back can play: “He’s a bit of a doubt, but I hope he’s fit. I’ve never lost a game with Mainz 05 with him on the pitch,” explained Henriksen.

The MEWA ARENA is almost sold out, with around 31,000 tickets sold by Friday afternoon. “You play how you train. That’s how I pick the team,” stated Henriksen. He will be hoping his players put in a better performance than they did against Darmstadt, just as they have done in competitive football so far this season.