Mainz 05’s 2-1 victory over RB Leipzig on Saturday afternoon lifted Bo Henriksen’s Rheinhessen up to fourth place in the Bundesliga table. When it came time to answer a question about Champions’ League football in the Pfälzer capital next year, however, Mainz’ Danish head coach absolutely refused to conform to expectations. Only one day removed from being his usual goofball self, a tired-looking Henriksen answered modestly.
“I’m a Dane and Danes are boring,” Henriksen said when a reporter asked him if Mainz fans were allowed to dream of a top-four-finish, “It’s just important that we prepare well for each game and hopefully win each game. We’ve seen this season that – with the exception of Leverkusen – we can beat the top sides.
“We’ve made important statements,” Henriksen continued. “But the next step is next week. Business as usual. We have Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday. That’s an important game. That’s football.”
“Of course we dream,” Henriksen concluded. “But, realistically, it will be very difficult to secure fourth or fifth place. We’ll just give it all to win every game.”
Henriksen’s belittling of Mainz’ potential dream naturally makes sense in the context of their being ten full matchdays remaining in the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign. The points spread opened up over Leipzig following Saturday’s victory nevertheless remains relevant.
Moreover, though Henriksen didn’t go into details, Mainz’ record against top teams in the league this year remains impressive. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart and Eintracht Frankfurt have all faltered against the Danish trainer’s charges.
GGFN | Peter Weis
