Farewell to Bo Svensson: New era begins at FSV Mainz 05

Confirming the news on Thursday evening, the club made it clear that, contrary to some earlier German media reports, sporting director Martin Schmidt would not be taking over the reins on the sidelines, at least for now. Instead, the club will place their trust in the capable hands of U-23 trainer Jan Siewert to steer the ship.

Mainz currently find themselves languishing at the bottom of the Bundesliga table, with just three points to show for their efforts after nine games. Their record consists of three draws and six losses, a far cry from the successes of previous seasons.

Svensson, who gained fame for his role in helping the Rheinhessen club avoid relegation during the latter half of the 2020/21 campaign, was widely recognized for his contributions. Sporting CEO Christian Heidel expressed the club's gratitude in a statement on the official website, acknowledging the debt they owed to the Danish coach.

"Mainz 05 owes a lot to Bo, including the fact that we are still playing in the Bundesliga at all today," Heidel's statement read. "Additionally, we have completed two more sovereign seasons in the Bundesliga and thrilled our fans with our football. In the past weeks, we have spent much time discussing how we can reverse the negative sporting trend. Unfortunately, however, there are always complex developments in football that can bring such successful joint work to a point where it is perhaps better to take a new path."

Svensson, too, shared his thoughts on the situation, stating, "It is very difficult for me to say goodbye, but I feel that now is the time for this." Svensson, who had been associated with Mainz as both a player and coach for an impressive 16 years, spoke fondly of the club. "I have learned an infinite amount here, met so many great people, at the club, among the fans, in the city, my children grew up here in Mainz. These experiences will shape me for life."

Svensson acknowledged that the decision to part ways was driven by the team's sporting performance. "Unfortunately, due to the sporting development, the time has come to realize that no individual is above the club," he noted, emphasizing the need for unity to navigate the challenges ahead. "Regrettably, I will not be included. That's the way it must be. Now more than ever, the club and the team need the cohesion that has always distinguished us."

With the departure of Svensson, the club has entrusted the reins to Jan Siewert, a new trainer with a promising track record. Siewert boasts experience coaching teams such as Rot-Weiß Essen and Borussia Dortmund II in the lower divisions. In addition, he led English side Huddersfield Town for a 19-game stint during the 2019/20 and 2020/21 campaigns. His appointment signals the beginning of a new era for FSV Mainz 05, as they seek to turn the tide and climb the Bundesliga table.

 

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