A disappointing campaign overall for Mainz who did finish in a comfortable mid-table position but lack of consistency meant they needed a late surge in form to ensure they did not slip closer to the relegation zone.
The campaign began on a positive note for Sandro Schwarz's side as they looked solid in the opening weeks, especially at home where they were unbeaten in their first five games. Things though quickly soured as Mainz struggled to pick up victories on a consistent basis and slowly slid out of the top half of the table thanks largely to a porous defense as they failed to keep their opponents out.
Injuries and loss of form to players, especially at the back meant Schwarz was forced to chop and change on a regular basis though Aaron Martin's arrival on a loan deal did prove to be a hit as the fullback quickly established himself as the first choice at leftback and put up some consistent performances. Up front Jean-Philippe Mateta was proving to be a reliable goal-scorer and ended the campaign with 14 goals but lacked the service from the midfield especially with Jean-Paul Boetius and Robin Quaison struggling for form.
Four wins from the final seven games did help Mainz finish the campaign in a comfortable position but investment is needed, especially at the back where a number of players are expected to leave, if Mainz are to stand any chance of challenging for a place in the top half next season
