Berlin (Germany), March 29 (NationPress) The history of German football club Mainz 05 is adorned with coaches who have gained remarkable acclaim. With the influential legacy of former managers Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel, Bo Henriksen's recent accolade as Denmark's 2024 Coach of the Year ahead of Sunday’s Bundesliga matchup in Dortmund feels like a fitting evolution for the club.

The 50-year-old faces the formidable challenge of succeeding Klopp (2001-2008), who won the 2019 UEFA Champions League with Liverpool, and Tuchel (2009-2014), the 2021 European champion with Chelsea. However, early indicators suggest that history might just repeat itself at Mainz. Once regarded as Germany’s “yo-yo club” due to its relegation struggles, Mainz now aspires for its inaugural Champions League qualification as a surprising contender in the Bundesliga, according to reports from Xinhua.

Much like Klopp and the current England manager Tuchel, the Dane has sparked enthusiasm among fans. As the Champions League race intensifies, the city is relishing the moment.

Henriksen's calm demeanor and offensive strategy have breathed new life into the club. Since his arrival in 2024, the 2022 Danish Cup victor has reshaped Mainz into a formidable competitor against established foes. Achieving Champions League qualification would far exceed the club’s former ventures into the Europa League.

Christian Heidel, a sporting board member and a close ally of Klopp, reminisced about his initial meeting with Henriksen in 2024: “Before we met in person, we had a video call, and I thought he was jumping out of my computer any minute, so full of energy.”

Under Henriksen’s guidance, Jonathan Burkhardt and Nadiem Amiri received call-ups to the German national team, while Paul Nebel and Nelson Weiper made their way into the U-21 squad.

Mainz’s achievements are rooted in youth development. Henriksen’s approach mirrors that of Klopp and Tuchel: “Play football as good as you can but always do it with all of your passion.”

The coach remains steadfast: “I don’t care in what European competition we end up, it’s passion and desire I want to see in every game.”

Amid the excitement, Henriksen downplays his rising status: “It’s important for a club to celebrate their heroes, Jurgen for sure is one of them, but I am not one of them.” Still, many in Mainz are eager to see him join the club’s esteemed legends.