One day after Shrove Monday, Mainz 05 presented their new coach Bo Henriksen. During his introduction, the Dane makes it clear that the Rheinhessen have committed an optimistic bundle of energy.
No, you didn’t get the feeling that Bo Henriksen was ranked 16th in the table. of the Bundesliga, which he took over after the dismissal of Jan Siewert and which has so far achieved one miserable victory in 21 Bundesliga games.
Instead, the 49-year-old seemed full of energy, repeatedly emphasized the strength of the Mainz squad and gave the impression that it was practically all about solving the blockage in his head. Everything about his performance radiated: Failure is not an option.
Henriksen is authentic
Be brave, dare to do things, trust each other. All of this should distinguish Rheinhessen under the new coach. However, you shouldn’t be afraid of the relegation battle. “Everything we fear in life will happen,” Henriksen said. “If you’re not afraid and have the courage to face up to mistakes, then you have a good chance of winning. That’s why I’ve always won.”
Words that could have come from a motivational seminar, but: Henriksen is authentic. He looks like he can carry a team along. “I think he could motivate a herd of cows to win,” is one of many positive comments in the YouTube stream on the Dane’s first press conference.
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In his home country, Henriksen is sometimes compared to 05 club legend Jürgen Klopp due to his impulsive nature. “I don’t know him personally,” the Dane said of Klopp. “But it seems like all of his players love him.” The new Mainz coach relies on an emotional connection to the team. This becomes more than clear from his first appointment.
Mainz are four points behind the relegation zone. There are even nine until the first non-relegation place. On Saturday they can take the first step against FC Augsburg to avoid relegation. They are strong enough for that if you trust Bo Henriksen.
Broadcast on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 4:00 p.m., The Day in RLP, SWR1 Rhineland-Palatinate