Mainz Could Be Heading Back To 2. Bundesliga This Season.

Manager Thomas Tuchel heads into Mainz’s second consecutive season in the Bundesliga knowing that it will be a struggle to keep the side in the top-flight for another term. Tuchel, who was appointed head coach in August 2009 after Jurgen Klopp led the side to promotion in the 2008-2009 season, is very inexperienced at the top level. Despite this, he managed a comfortable mid-table finish with Mainz last season, and as long as he can maintain that, Mainz fans will be confident that their head coach is the right man for the job.

Key Players

Mainz is a team without a real star player, but they do have players who can make a big impact at crucial times. One of those players is Czech midfielder Jan Simak. Mainz’s number 10 can be a real problem for opposition backlines with his physical presence and terrifying long-range shot. While operating in an attacking midfield role, he will also work back and cover space in the midfield when his side are without possession. Despite being a bit of a head-case, Simak could prove to be an important player for the Bundesliga side this season.

Eugen Polanski will play in the midfield just behind Jan Simak, and control possession with battling performances. Mainz brought him in in the summer of 2009, and he proved to be an important player for the side during their first season in the top-flight.

Newcomers

While most of Mainz’s acquisitions have been loan deals, the purchase of Adam Szalai, who was on loan at Mainz during the latter half of last season, is an impressive signing. Szalai, who stands at 6’4, is a physical striker who can bang in headers and hold the ball up for team-mates. Szalai will be relied on to bang in the goals this season for Mainz and keep the side afloat in what will be a tough season for Die Nullfunfer.

Expectations

While an impressive 9th-placed finish last season would be welcomed once again by Mainz fans, it is unlikely that Tuchel will be able to pull off a safe mid-table position again. The squad is unimpressive, and I don’t see them being able to secure another season in the Bundesliga.