Jan Siewert named permanent Mainz coach

Siewert took over in a caretaker role on 3 November, after Bo Svensson left the club by mutual consent. Mainz were winless in 14 league matches and three points adrift of safety at the time, but have since climbed into the relegation play-off spot on goal difference, after taking seven points from a possible 21, including a much-needed 2-0 win over RB Leipzig. The 41-year-old has signed a contract until summer 2026.

"We've taken the necessary time to analyse the sporting situation in great detail," said Mainz sporting director Christian Heidel. "We're convinced Jan Siewert will keep us in the Bundesliga. He's given the team fresh impetus, he has the backing of the team and staff, knows the club and is passionate about the task at hand." 

"I'm very happy about the trust the club has placed in me," added Siewert. "We've always been open with each other. It's a joint task for our club, and I'm sure we'll succeed with the quality of the team, our team spirit and fans."

The Mainz job is Siewert's second as a full-time coach, after a spell in charge of English outfit Huddersfield Town in the first half of 2019. He has also worked as Mainz caretaker coach once before, as well as with the club's academy, the Borussia Dortmund reserves and Bochum U19s.

Mainz host Wolfsburg in their first game back from the winter break on 13 January 2024, with three points to make up on outright safety.