Bo Henriksen speaks on Mainz personnel puzzle, praises Dominik Kohr, and guarantees start for Armindo Sieb

3

Armindo Sieb will once again be leading the line for Mainz 05 in this weekend’s Bundesliga fixture against Borussia Dortmund. Mainz head coach Bo Henriksen guaranteed the long-term loanee a second consecutive start over presently slumping lead striker Nelson Weiper whilst speaking at his Thursday press conference. Sieb was among the goalscorers in last week’s 1-4 away win over Augsburg.

“He [Sieb] did an outstanding job against Augsburg,” Henriksen noted on Thursday, “So, of course, he’ll play [against Dortmund] on Saturday.“

Which attacking duo will buttress Sieb remains to be seen. Paul Nebel and Arnaud Nordin served behind Sieb in Henriksen’s 3-4-3 last week, but Nordin may need to slide back due to an injury incurred by starting wingback Anthony Caci. Nordin can work as the left wingback while Philipp Mwene slides right or replace Caci on the right directly. Captain Silvan Widmer or Nicolas Veratschnig can also work in Caci’s place. 

Should Nordin move back, Jae-Sung Lee counts as the most likely candidate to take his place on the second attacking axis. Both Lee and injured attacker Benedict Hollerbach rejoined team training this week. Per Henriksen, Lee is father enough along to potentially see some action. The Mainzer head coach claimed that the South Korean international “made a fabulous impression in training“.

Henriksen must also find a replacement for the suspended Dominik Kohr, who was once again ejected from proceedings on double yellows last weekend. Stefan Bell will likely work in Kohr’s place. Henriksen commented on the general playing style of his notoriously ill-disciplined defender on Thursday.

“The two yellows weren’t the smartest decisions of his life,” Henriksen remarked.“[But] His [Kohr’s] power is important for our team, I don’t want him to change. He has to remain Dominik Kohr in order to benefit our team. He is a leader and has a lot of experience. That’s why he plays in every game. when he can.”

GGFN | Peter Weis