Mainz finished the season comfortably in a midtable position but the season will be seen as a disappointment by both the club and the supporters with Mainz having kicked off the new campaign seeking another European qualification. With Thomas Tuchel having left the club at the end of last season, Mainz were looking at a new direction under Kasper Hjulmand. The season though got off to the worst possible start for the Danish coach as Mainz were first knocked out of the Europa League following a shock 1-3 defeat to Asteras Tripolis before losing out to Chemnitzer FC in the first round of the DFB Cup. They did make a solid enough start to their Bundesliga campaign and were unbeaten in their opening eight games of the season. Hjulmand looked to be slowly settling into his job but a heavy defeat away to Wolfsburg proved to be a turning point of the season, triggering a dismal run of just one win from the next 13 games, with another defeat away to Borussia Dortmund proving to be the final straw as Hjulmand was relieved of his duties. Martin Schmidt was announced as his replacement and though he managed to halt Mainz's slide down the table, they struggled for consistency throughout the season. Back to back victories over SC Freiburg and Schalke raised some hopes of a late push for a place in the top six but Mainz ended the season on a disappointing note, losing three of their last four games to finish in the bottom half of the league table. Schmidt will be disappointed with the tame end to the season but there were a number of positives for the Mainz coach to build on for the next campaign. Johannes Geis and Julian Baumgartlinger formed a formidable partnership in the midfield while Yunus Malli and Daniel Brosinski also impressed for the side. However it was Loris Karius' form in the goal that was crucial for Mainz's fortunes this season with the 22-year old putting in a number of solid displays in his first full season as the undisputed first choice keeper for Mainz. Schmidt will be looking for a proactive summer for Mainz as he looks to make a couple of key additions to ensure that Mainz make a more sustainable challenge for a place in the top six. Sami Allagui and Jonas Hofmann have both returned back to their respective clubs following the end of their loans while Nikolce Noveski's contract was not renewed and the veteran defender has also left the club. Mainz have so far brought in Danny Latza on a free transfer from Bochum while Yoshinori Muto has also been signed from FC Tokyo though more reinforcements are needed if they are to emerge as serious challengers for a European qualification spot.
