Mainz is a peaceful city in southwest Germany on the banks of the Rheine River. The Bundesliga side is not particularly known for its footballing pedigree, but could Bo Henriksen‘s side make history and qualify for the UEFA Champions League for the first time?
With ten games to go, Mainz still face competition from several sides around them. If they are to make their inaugural Champions League campaign, they will have fought off the likes of RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund.
Mainz: A Background
Founded in 1905, Mainz will celebrate its 120th anniversary this season. The German outfit is known as ‘the carnival club‘ due to the city’s carnival history.
The Bundesliga side has not had a trophy-laden history but has competed in the Europa League. During the 2016/17 campaign, Mainz finished in third place in the competition, narrowly missing out on a place in the round of 16.
The 05ers are probably best known for their development of coaches. Both Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel landed their first managerial positions at Mainz before going on to win the Champions League at Liverpool and Chelsea, respectively.
After avoiding relegation to Bundesliga 2 by three points last season, few people expected Mainz to be challenging for the top half of the table, let alone European football.
The carnival club will be desperate to qualify for the competition that their previous managers have had so much success in.
The Story of Mainz’s Season So Far
After a mixed start to the 2024/25 season, Mainz have kicked on under the guidance of Bo Henriksen. The Danish manager has helped the 05ers to fourth place in the Bundesliga.
However, with only seven points separating third and tenth, the race for European football is anyone’s game.
Henriksen will hope that striker Jonathan Burkardt keeps up his impressive goal-scoring form. The Mainz academy graduate has racked up 13 league goals in his most prolific campaign for the club. Burkardt‘s 0.74 non-penalty goals per game make him more clinical than 95 per cent of strikers this season.
The appointment of the former FC Zürich manager has also coincided with the dramatic improvement of Mainz‘s defensive numbers. Only Bayern Munich have conceded fewer goals than the carnival club in the 24/25 season.
Goalkeeper Robin Zentner has arguably been Mainz‘s best player this season. A save percentage of 75 means Zentner leads the way in the Bundesliga during this campaign. Henriksen has certainly instilled a ‘defence-first philosophy‘ at the German outfit.
Can Mainz Qualify for the Champions League?
It remains to be seen whether they can defy the odds and qualify for the Champions League, but this season could be the 05ers‘ best chance to do so.
Henriksen‘s side will likely have to take points from two crucial games. Mainz travel away to both Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich during the run-in. A minimum of three points from those two games will probably be required to help the club realise its dream.
The carnival club will probably not be the beneficiary of a fifth Champions League place either. Bundesliga clubs have lost four of the eight clubs competing in European competition, damaging Germany‘s UEFA coefficient ranking.
Mainz will certainly fancy their chances of a Champions League campaign next season. The city that introduced movable-type to Europe will be hoping that the 05ers can write their name in club history.
FAQ
1. Has Mainz ever played in the UEFA Champions League?
No, Mainz has never qualified for the UEFA Champions League. They have played in the Europa League but have never reached the round of 16.
2. Who is Mainz’s current manager?
Bo Henriksen, a Danish manager, currently leads Mainz.
3. What is Mainz’s nickname?
Mainz is known as ‘the carnival club‘ due to the city’s rich carnival history.
4. Which famous managers started their careers at Mainz?
Both Jürgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel had their first managerial positions at Mainz before winning the Champions League at Liverpool and Chelsea, respectively.
5. What are Mainz’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League?
It is possible but challenging. Mainz will need to secure points in crucial matches against Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich to stand a chance.