After winning their first four games of 2025, VfB face one of their closest pursuers in the Bundesliga table when they travel to 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Saturday 25 January (kick-off 15:30 CET). “It’s an exciting and challenging task,” said head coach Sebastian Hoeneß, whose side currently occupy fourth place in the standings, four points and two places above their opponents. “We’re playing against one of our direct rivals, which makes it that little bit more exciting and important. The aim is obviously to extend our lead over them.”
Intensity required at Mainz fortress
Hoeneß says his team will need to play with intensity and perseverance against the Zerofivers. “Mainz have beaten several big-name teams at home,” he explained. “Their style of play is characterised by commitment and clear patterns of play – both with and without the ball.”
Mainz’s recent home record speaks for itself, with Bo Henriksen’s side winning each of their last four Bundesliga matches in front of their own supporters.
Hoeneß hails team spirit
One thing VfB have in abundance, though, is team spirit. Not only does that guarantee a wonderful atmosphere among the players, it also helps develop solid foundations on the road to success. Whether it’s setting up a goal for a team-mate or covering every blade of grass, those qualities have regularly helped VfB win or come from behind in games – something which has not gone unnoticed by Hoeneß.
“We have a lot of positive characters in the group who are settled here and just want to have a successful time at VfB,” said the 42-year-old. “The lads are smart enough to know they can achieve that better and faster together than on their own.” That ability to work as a team and overcome adversity as a group could prove invaluable against Mainz this weekend.
Skipper Atakan Karazor available again
There is good news on the personnel front, with Atakan Karazor available again after missing Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League match in Bratislava with a muscle problem. Enzo Millot, however, is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards, while injured quartet El Bilal, Dan-Axel Zagadou, Justin Diehl and Luca Raimund remain sidelined.