The Mainz things to know ahead of friendly
NEWCASTLE United will take on Bundesliga side Mainz on Saturday July 29, as part of a pre-season trip to Germany.
The Magpies will take on Die Nullfünfer before travelling north to face Wolfsburg on Wednesday, August 2.
These games follow friendlies against Hearts, Preston and Bradford, while a home friendly - likely against Serie A outfit Hellas Verona - is still to be confirmed.
Ahead of next month’s clash against Mainz, here is a little lowdown of all you need to know about one of the Bundesliga’s greatest success stories.
Prior to the turn of the millennium, Mainz had perennially struggled in the Bundesliga’s second tier.
That was until a certain Jurgen Klopp took the reins in 2001.
Klopp, who has since gone on to establish himself as one of European football’s top managers at Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool, managed Mainz for seven seasons.
He transformed them from 2.Bundesliga strugglers to promotion contenders, finally achieving promotion in 2004.
Mainz then spent three seasons in the top flight, before being relegated in 2007. Klopp left in 2008 and Mainz once again won promotion in 2009. Former Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel took over in August of that year and within two seasons, he helped the once modest second tier club to a fifth placed finish.
Since then, Mainz have managed to establish themselves as a Bundesliga club, and a sixth placed finish in 2016, saw them reach the Europa League group stages for the first time last season.
Despite a modest budget, Mainz have achieved Bundesliga stability, by sticking to a strict set of principles, while sporting director Christian Heidel has helped them make substantial profits on a number of players over the years.
Sandro Schwarz has graduated from his position as Mainz II manager to take the reins of the first team this summer.
Mainz like to operate with continuity at managerial level, and have often promoted managers from within.
Which players should United look out for?
Young German winger Levin Oztunali offers a creative spark from the wing, creating six goals last season.
Forwards Jhon Cordoba and Yoshinori Muto, 10 goals and seven assists between them are two to watch out for.
German international goalkeeper Rene Adler - a summer signing from Hamburg - will provide much needed experience to the backline.
In 2011, Mainz moved into modern home of the Opel Arena.
The Stadium has a capacity of 34,000 and replaced Mainz’s old home the Bruchwegstadion.
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