Henriksen prepares to build defense around Stefan “boss” Bell

FSV Mainz 05 trainer Bo Henriksen has given every indication that he plans to rely on 33-year-old defender Stefan Bell to anchor his defensive line in this Sunday’s Bundesliga fixture against Freiburg.

Deputizing for the injured Mortiz Jenz during the second-half of Mainz’s DFB-Pokal defeat against Bayern on Wednesday, veteran defender Stefan Bell sufficiently impressed FSV trainer Bo Henriksen with his play in the second 45. Henriksen lauded the 33-year-old – whom he has already praised significantly in the past – in the highest possible terms. 

“Bello [Bell] was the boss,” Henriksen – as quoted by German footballing journalist Thiemo Müller of Kicker Magazine – flatly noted afterwards, “He was very, very good.” 

The words of self-proclaimed “master motivator” Henriksen appear clearly aimed at pumping up Bell for what shall be a difficult task this coming Sunday in the Bundesliga. Bell happens to be the only defender left who can lead the line. Andreas Hanche-Olsen remains out with a broken toe. Jenz, Henriksen confirmed on Thursday, is scheduled for an MRI and a battery of tests for what appears a serious injury. 

In a back-three featuring Maxim Leitsch and Dominik Kohr, the only other alternative Henriksen can turn to is 18-year-old Maxim Dal. As much as the FSV gaffer has expressed confidence with Dal in the past, Henriksen likely has little choice to turn to the old hand. Bell was among one of the “discounted” players previous FSV trainer Bo Svensson was famous for breathing new life into. 

It now seems as if that task now falls to another Dane holding the FSV reins. Bell’s lone start of the season – against Stutttgart on match-day two – did not go particularly well. He was subbed off at the half in what ultimately ended in a 3-3 draw.