Coach praises Burkardt: 'A professional guy'

Coach Bo Henriksen raves about newly-crowned international footballer Jonathan Burkardt. "He's a professional guy," said Henriksen ahead of the 05ers' Bundesliga home game against RB Leipzig on Saturday (3.30pm/Sky). "He wants to train every day," emphasized the coach, adding: "What a man, what a player."

In the first six league games, Burkardt scored five goals, putting him in second place in the goalscoring charts. It is possible that the 24-year-old will attract interest from other clubs if he continues like this. But that is normal at a club like Mainz, emphasized Henriksen. Burkardt currently has a contract with the Rheinhessen club until the summer of 2027.

Kohr missing due to yellow card suspension

Henriksen will have to make do without defender Dominik Kohr against Leipzig, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season on matchday six and is therefore suspended. There had recently been discussions about the 30-year-old's tough style of play.

Kohr is not a bad player, emphasized Henriksen. "He plays a bit hard, but that's also important for us." Andreas Hanche-Olsen could move into the starting eleven for Kohr. The Norwegian was last absent from the 3-0 away win against FC St. Pauli due to suspension following a yellow card.