For the second time this season, Mainz 05 are looking for a new trainer after the club took the decision to relieve Jan Siewert of his duties following Sunday’s 3-1 loss at VfB Stuttgart. The relegation candidates are now looking for their third coach this season as they seek a way to claw themselves clear of the drop zone.
Siewert was appointed in November when the Nullfünfer took the tough decision to sack Bo Svensson after starting the season with a nine-game winless run which included six defeats. Siewert (previously U23 coach) won his first match in charge against RB Leipzig, but has subsequently gone eleven matches without a win and the sinking feeling is very much surrounding the club.
“We expressly thank Jan for his commitment,” sporting director Christian Heidel said on Monday. “He took on the task at a difficult time with a lot of passion and meticulousness and gave the team good impetus with his work.
“Unfortunately, this did not translate into a fundamental turnaround or results. The situation in the relegation battle has become significantly worse for us in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, we now see the change in the coaching position as a necessary step in order to be able to bring about a positive turnaround.”
Mainz currently sit in 17th place and are only off the bottom of the table courtesy of their superior goal difference to Darmstadt. The gap to 16th place Köln is four points while Union are nine points ahead in 15th position. The team look beaten as soon as they concede the first goal right now and hitting the back of the net themselves is a rare event with just 16 goals scored this season (the second fewest in the Bundesliga).
“I would like to thank Mainz 05 for almost four years, it is a special club for me,” Siewert said on the club’s website. “Many colleagues have become friends here. Together with my coaching team, I gave everything to ensure that the club can stay in the league. Unfortunately, we also lacked the necessary luck. I wish the team and club all the best – and above all, that they can still stay in the league.”
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