Pre-season preparations are in full swing at 1. FSV Mainz 05. From July 27 to August 5, Urs Fischer’s side will test themselves against two top-flight international opponents in Brixental, Austria. On July 31, Mainz face Shabab Al Ahli from Dubai, followed by Udinese Calcio from Italy the next day. Both matches will run for 90 minutes. The Rheinhessen kick off their campaign in 10th place with 40 points from 34 games - a record of 10 wins, 10 draws and 14 losses, with recent form reading WLWLD. So far this season they’ve scored 44 goals but conceded 53, leaving them 49 points behind league leaders Bayern München.
What’s on the agenda at training camp?
The two friendlies against top-flight sides are the centerpiece of Mainz’s pre-season schedule. Al Ahli bring international experience from Dubai, while Udinese arrive as a Serie A outfit with deep tactical nous. Both games serve as the final dress rehearsal before the Bundesliga curtain-raiser. Mainz will use them to fine-tune tactics and sharpen fitness. A key focus will be the return of four World Cup players: Nadiem Amiri, Jae-sung Lee, Kaishu Sano and Phillipp Mwene are expected to rejoin the squad during camp.
Who’s still missing from the Mainz squad?
Not present from day one is Silvan Widmer. The Swiss international defender will only arrive back at Bruchweg after the team returns from camp. Until then he trains separately. The side must gel without him in these opening days. Widmer, fresh off national-team duty, brings valuable experience but misses the first phase of alpine work.
Why do the friendlies matter for Mainz 05?
Pre-season is make-or-break for rebuilding cohesion after the summer break. Two games against top-flight foes offer a sharp competitive edge to test systems and new recruits. The quartet of World Cup returnees must slot back in fast to avoid lagging behind. Sitting 10th with a -9 goal difference and just 44 goals scored, Mainz’s attack remains a work in progress.
What’s next after training camp?
After wrapping camp on August 5, the team returns to Bruchweg for final Bundesliga preparations. The two friendlies give Fischer a clear read on fitness and tactics ahead of the league opener. Mainz have shown they can grind out points, but climbing the table will demand sharper finishes and tighter defending. The next few weeks will reveal whether they can close the gap to the top.
