Janik Mäder: The Last of the Mohicans leads Chemie Leipzig into the future!

Janik Mäder: The Last of the Mohicans leads Chemie Leipzig into the future!

BSG Chemie Leipzig is preparing for a new season, and the team has changed a lot in the last few weeks. The team is led by captain Janik Mäder, who is not only one of the oldest in the revamped squad, but will also play a crucial role in leading the younger players. Mäder, 28 years old, is a familiar face at the club, having appeared on the field for Meuselwitz, Zwickau and Cottbus in the past. He returned to Leutzsch three years ago and has since played an impressive 198 regional league games (with 26 goals and 24 assists) as well as 14 games in the third division. Now Mäder sees himself as the “last Mohican” in the team, especially since only he and Philipp Wendt remain from the squad from two years ago. He describes the new players aged 18 to 21 as motivated and ready to take the plunge.

Last season, Mäder was his team's second-best scorer with six goals. He has now reinforced this experience in his captaincy role - since the 2024/25 winter break he has been playing in the central attacking midfield and leading the group through the upcoming challenge. Team chemistry and the support of the fans in the Alfred Kunze Sports Park are particularly important to him. “I hope that our fans will inspire the young players and not burden them with excessive expectations,” said the captain.

Contract extension and new goals

But that's not all: Mäder has extended his contract with BSG Chemie Leipzig by two years, which is valid until 2027. This decision is no coincidence. Head coach Adrian Alipour spoke positively about the contract extension and represents Mäder as an important contact in the team. “Janik is someone who takes responsibility,” emphasizes Alipour. Mäder himself is pleased about the extension and is optimistic about the challenges ahead. In his three seasons for Chemie so far, he has played a total of 86 games in the Regionalliga and 9 games in the Saxony Cup, in which he scored 16 goals and provided 8 assists.

The team's preparations are comprehensive: As part of the training camp, the team worked with athletic tests, body screenings and lactate tests. The squad also now has two physiotherapists at its disposal, which shows that they are aiming to develop professionally. These investments in athletics make sense, especially since the transfer period in European football is currently very dynamic. How Statista Reportedly, there is also a transfer deficit in the 1st Bundesliga, with expenses exceeding income this season.

Fan interest and initial actions

The fans' interest in the coming season is already noticeable: over 1,000 tickets were sold just 24 hours after season ticket sales started. This will help the team support the young talents and lift the mood in the stadium. Next Saturday is the first test match against FC Eilenburg, which will take place in the Mühlberg/Elbe sports center. Kick-off is at 3 p.m. Everyone involved is eager to demonstrate the new style of play with high pressing and quick counterattacks that coach Alipour has set.

BSG Chemie Leipzig has clear ambitions for the coming season - and captain Mäder is determined to do his part to ensure that the new players feel comfortable in the team and are successful. The preparations have been made and now it's time to achieve the first successes!