Mainz coach Henriksen: Humanity over tactics

For FSV Mainz 05 coach Bo Henriksen, the human element is more important than tactics in soccer. "I used to brood over tactics for many hours every day, even longer after losing games than after winning them," the 49-year-old told the Leipziger Volkszeitung newspaper. "Today, I focus on the players and the people behind them."

The Dane is primarily concerned with the question of how he can make each player stronger and increase their belief in themselves. "On this path, 34 different tactics and the constant overturning of plans are not conducive," said Henriksen. Mainz have stabilized under the new coach. Two wins and a draw contrast with defeats against top teams Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. On Saturday (3.30pm/Sky), Mainz will face RB Leipzig.

Henriksen does not neglect tactics completely; they are an important component. Certain behaviors must always be right. "For example, with set pieces, playing together against the ball and so on," said the ex-professional. Standards in particular have become Mainz's strength under him. In the five games under Henriksen's management, FSV scored six times, with five goals coming from resting balls.

Henriksen has not yet managed an away win, however. Mainz last won away from home on April 1, 2023. That was a 3-0 win in Leipzig. That could be a reason that gives the team, which is in 16th place in the relegation places, courage. "But we're not going to Leipzig to congratulate ourselves, we're fighting for every meter and every point," emphasized Henriksen.