06.01.2021
Bundesliga

New beginnings

Mainz have made a number of changes at board and management level in recent days, with several familiar faces brought in to halt the club’s downward spiral.

Form: Key changes in key roles

Despite losing 5-2 at FC Bayern last Sunday, Mainz produced a decent performance in Munich and even led the champions 2-0 at half-time. On the whole, however, FSV’s campaign has been far less impressive: the Zerofivers are languishing in 17th place with six points from 14 league matches – their worst ever showing at this stage of a Bundesliga campaign.

Christian Heidel was appointed as board member for strategy, sport and communication in the week leading up to the game in Munich, with Martin Schmidt confirmed as the club’s new sporting director. Earlier this week, the former Mainz duo named Bo Svensson – an ex-FSV player – as their new head coach.

Mainz produced a decent performance in Munich and even led the champions 2-0 at half-time.

Tactics: New coach, new ideas

Svensson joins Mainz from Austrian outfit FC Liefering, who were renowned for their energetic pressing, uncompromising tackles, fast counter-attacking and two-man strikeforce during the Dane’s tenure.

The 41-year-old is confident of being able to implement his own ideas at Mainz, as he told the media at his unveiling: “My opinion is that here, as a coach, you have the freedom to develop,” he said. “It’s clear what’s required of you, but at the same time you have the opportunity to create your own philosophy.”

1. FSV Mainz 05 2020/21
Stats1 win, 3 draws, 10 defeats, 14:31 goal difference, 6 points, 17th in the table
FormL-L-D-L-L
GoalscorersMateta (7), Quaison (2), Brosinski (1), Hack (1), Burkardt (1), Onisiwo (1), Stöger (1)

One to watch: Jonathan Burkardt

Svensson knows all about German youth international Jonathan Burkardt, who made 53 appearances for the club’s under-17 and under-19 teams while Svensson was in charge.

Since making his top-flight debut at the age of 18 in September 2018, Burkardt has managed 24 Bundesliga appearances and a further three in the DFB Cup, registering two goals and an assist. The 1.81m striker is also renowned for his high work-rate up front.

Mainz striker Jonathan Burkardt.