New Delhi: Mainz are heading into the 2024/24 season with a fresh plan under the guidance of Bo Henriksen. Mainz somehow managed to survive last season as they narrowly beat relegation and confirmed their stay in Bundesliga. Bo Svensson vacated his position at the club after 16 years with the club, managing at youth level as well as the main squad. However, his successor Henriksen will be looking to make the most out of this opportunity and help Mainz do better than last season.
With an eighth-place performance in the previous season, there was cautious hope that Mainz may contend for European qualifying spots in 2022–2023. The 05ers were enjoying an overnight stay in third place, and with over a third of the season gone, the indicators were positive to say the least. After Svensson’s team finished the first 11 games of the calendar year with 18 points, things started to go south. After suffering damaging defeats to Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg, and bottom-of-the-table Schalke, Mainz dropped to 11th position. However, they were able to halt the losing streak and move up a spot with a 1-1 draw against regional rival Eintracht Frankfurt.
However, their form from the initial stages was not to be seen afterwards as they ended up finishing the season 13th in the table. This certainly was a disappointing result for the fans as they enjoyed a great 2022-23 season, as there were signs of improvement for the 05ers. However, things need a fresh start next season and that’s exaclty what Bo Henriksen will be planning for the 2024/25 campaign.
Tactical prospects for 2024/25
27 October 2023, North Rhine-Westphalia, Bochum: Soccer: Bundesliga, VfL Bochum – FSV Mainz 05, Matchday 9, Vonovia Ruhrstadion: Coach Bo Svensson of Mainz cheers after scoring the goal to make it 2-2. Photo: David Inderlied/dpa – IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the requirements of the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga and the DFB Deutscher Fußball-Bund, it is prohibited to use or have used photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequence pictures and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by David Inderlied/picture alliance via Getty Images)
Following Bo Svensson’s arrival, Mainz have used a 3-5-2 and 3-4-3 formation in a number of ways. The most well-known of these is putting a midfield two in front of an advanced number ten in the 3-4-1-2 formation. The 05’ers can harm their opponents in any direction because of their excellent width and center combination in this formation. The formation they use to defend in their own half is usually a 5-3-2 or 5-2-3. But Mainz can press from the front as well. Depending on the formation they use, their press will probably develop into a 3-4-3 with the offensive midfielder from the 3-5-2 joining the front line. We also look at their regular staff before delving into more of these strategies.
Even though Mainz had the lowest passing percentage and fewest possessions in the league, they are not a long-ball club that like to throw the ball across the field and hope for the best. Like most Bundesliga sides, they attack from the back, and when they want to, they can be a highly effective possession-based club. When constructing a play from the back, center backs frequently pass the ball about and wait for advantageous opportunities to advance. The center midfield players won’t often drop deep to get possession close to them; instead, they will stay high in between the lines.
16 August 2024, Hesse, Wiesbaden: Soccer: DFB Cup, SV Wehen Wiesbaden – FSV Mainz 05, 1st round, BRITA-Arena. Dominik Kohr (l) of Mainz and Wiesbaden’s Ivan Franjic fight for the ball. Photo: Uwe Anspach/dpa – IMPORTANT NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the DFL German Football League and the DFB German Football Association, it is prohibited to utilize or have utilized photographs taken in the stadium and/or of the match in the form of sequential images and/or video-like photo series. (Photo by Uwe Anspach/picture alliance via Getty Images)
On the opposite side, the wing-backs would occasionally stray closer and receive the ball in broad spaces beyond the back. However, the wing-backs frequently give the ball back to the center-backs right away rather than moving it forward quickly. Then, as players at higher positions switch positions and locate open areas, the squad will try to move forward through vertical spaces.
Compared to their possession and league standing, Mainz produce a notably high quantity of through balls—on par with some of the top teams in the league. However, it’s no secret that Die Nullfünfer are not consistent team when it comes to opportunity creation or a goal scoring. Karim Onisiwo and Boetius fail to convert opportunities, while Szalai’s footwork and skill with the ball frequently let him down.
Danny da Costa finds plenty of space in the box to produce excellent crosses, but once more, Mainz are unable to complete them. With just four assists, Boetius leads the squad in assists. In spite of this, Mainz frequently appears to be a top half squad.
Transfer analysis
WIESBADEN, GERMANY – AUGUST 16: Kaishu Sano of 1. FSV Mainz 05 celebrates during the DFB-Pokal match between SV Wehen Wiesbaden and 1. FSV Mainz 05 on August 16, 2024 in Wiesbaden, Germany. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
Mainz’s most notable signing this summer window would be Kaishu Sano, a defensive midfielder from Japan. The 23-year-old had a solid season for Kashima Antlers, starting 20 league game sfor them and also providing two assists. This will be a new environment for the Japanese international but Bundesliga is very well known for the development of foreign players. Mainz will be looking to utilise him the best way possible, playing him deep into the midfield.
Besides, further addition of Armando Sieb from Bayern Munich will also boost their forward lineup. The talented striker joined the 05ers on loan and might turn out to be a crucial figure this season. Austrian fullback Nikolas Veratschnig also joined the club as he will be looking to get the job done for his new side.
Early prediction (Relegation battle)
Mainz may have had a few good pre season results, winning majority of their games but this season can very well turn out to be a season of survival for the 05ers. There are a few reasons behind this, one, Bo Henriksen is yet to make a proper impact and he hasn’t had many league games to manage as the 2024/25 season will be his first full leangth season with Mainz. Second, the depth in squad might not fancy Mainz’s plans of staying in the league. Besides, the players will be needing more time to settle into Henriksen’s plans and adapt to the new tactics.
Mainz will be looking to perform better than last season as they completely lost the momentum mid season after a strong start to their 2023/24 campaign. Here’s a look at their prospects for next Bundesliga campaign. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
