'I'm convinced we'll stay up' - Paul Nebel on Mainz's survival chances, his Germany ambitions and teammate Nadiem Amiri
Mainz star Paul Nebel spoke exclusively to the Bundesliga about teammate Nadiem Amiri, the 05ers’ survival chances, and potentially playing his way back into Germany contention.
Bundesliga: A few days have passed since the 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, but that result must still be resonating...
Nebel: “It’s a great memory. It was a special day. After a difficult first half of the season, having a moment like that at home means a lot. It gave me a big boost, especially in terms of confidence. Of course, you still think about [our slow start to the season] from time to time. But football moves on quickly – I’m already focused on the next match against Hoffenheim and want to perform well and be successful again with the team.”
Watch: Mainz 2-0 Frankfurt - highlights
Bundesliga: In the last two games, you’ve given your team a 1–0 lead [in a 2-0 win at Werder Bremen] after just six minutes and even scored a brace against Frankfurt. Why is everything going so well again?
Nebel: “I kept believing in myself, even during a difficult period. I continued working every day so I would be ready when needed. I’m very happy that it’s now paying off.”
Bundesliga: Last season you scored 10 goals and provided four assists, which earned you a place in Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad in September 2025. When do you think you’ll be ready to return to the national team?
Nebel: “It’s always a goal to perform well at club level and maybe play for the national team. Right now, though, my focus is on more immediate things. I’ve found a good rhythm again, but I want to sustain that. My priority is helping the team stay in the league and continuing my performances. I know I need to deliver consistently over a longer period, and then we’ll see what happens.”
Bundesliga: What speaks in favour of Mainz avoiding relegation?
Nebel: “Our team. Even though we went through a difficult phase this season, we came out of it. In recent years, this club has often shown that you should never write us off. We’ve had many first halves of the season where people said it would be tough, and then we’ve turned it around. In the last few weeks, we’ve shown what we’re capable of. We’ve beaten strong teams and handled must-win matches, like in Bremen, with maturity. That’s why I’m convinced we’ll achieve our goal as a team.”
Bundesliga: How would you describe head coach Urs Fischer?
Nebel: “He’s a very good coach. He has brought a lot of calmness and clear structures to the team. Week by week, we’ve improved in the areas he focuses on, which has made us more stable. As a result, our confidence has steadily grown again.”
Bundesliga: In contrast to the Bundesliga, things have been nothing but positive in Europe for you this season. Why is that?
Nebel: “Playing in multiple competitions is different. We’ve had demanding travel schedules, sometimes returning late from Conference League matches and then quickly preparing for Bundesliga games on a Saturday. That rhythm takes time to adjust to. As a team and as a club, we’ve had to get used to it. Now we’ve stabilised in the league and are performing well in Europe. We want to progress further in the Conference League, which would be a big achievement, but staying in the league remains our main priority – and we’re on a good path.”
Bundesliga: Who are your closest friends in the team?
Nebel: “There are quite a few players I get on well with. I’m close with Nadiem Amiri, Armindo Sieb, Niklas Veratschnig, and Phillip Tietz, who’s recently joined and is very entertaining. I get on very well with a lot of the lads.”
Watch: The Best of Nadiem Amiri
Bundesliga: To what extent has Amiri’s injury been relevant for you?
Nebel: “It gave me the opportunity to get back into the starting line-up. If Nadiem hadn’t been injured, I probably wouldn’t have come back into the team so quickly. But we definitely need him for the remaining matches. He’s had a very strong season and is a key player and leader for us. I hope we can be on the pitch together again soon.”
Bundesliga: Which skills come most naturally to you – how would you rate yourself?
Nebel: “I’d say my passing. That’s one of my strengths, like Amiri. I watch him and try to learn from him.”
Bundesliga: What is your best moment in the Bundesliga so far?
Nebel: “I had many great moments last season as well – scoring twice in Frankfurt; also my first Bundesliga goal [against Borussia Dortmund]. But this moment [against Frankfurt on Matchday 27] was definitely very special, especially considering the first half of the season. It was one of my best.”
Watch: Nebel opens his Bundesliga account (from 01:21)
Bundesliga: What would you have become if your football career hadn’t worked out?
Nebel: “That’s a very good question. I completed my vocational diploma, but even during that time I was already focused on becoming a professional footballer and committed fully to that path. So it’s not easy to answer. I’m a very sporty person, though, so I believe I would have done something in sport.”
Bundesliga: You were once the youngest player at Mainz, and then Nelson Weiper came along…
Nebel: “At the beginning, it was an honour to be the youngest, which was a nice achievement. But it doesn’t matter much to me now. I was happy for Nelson – I’ve known him for many years from the academy, so I was pleased for him.”
Bundesliga: What else do you enjoy apart from football?
Nebel: “My family and friends are the most important thing. Beyond that, it’s about developing as a person – growing, maturing, and overcoming challenges.”
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