MAINZ HOLDING OFF ON MARSHALL DECISION David Smith - Monday, December 15, 2008
Having just completed his trial with Mainz 05 and returned stateside, 2008 MLS defender of the year Chad Marshall will have to wait until January to learn if he should pack for Germany.
Despite reportedly having impressed the coaches during his few days with the team, Mainz press officer Tobias Sparwasser told YA that no decision about whether to offer him a contract would occur before the turn of the new year.
"Our manager talked to him and there will be no decision this year," Sparwasser commented.
While Mainz's interest in Marshall was driven in large by their razor-thin corps of healthy central defenders, the upcoming break in the German season which begins after this weekend's set of games allows them the time to explore their options before making any signings.
One such option is already a member of the Mainz squad, however is in the process of fighting his way back from injury.
"We've got an injured [central] defender Bo Svensson, and we're going to wait to see if he'll make his comeback at the start of next year, maybe in training camp."
Former FC Copenhagen and Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Svensson has so far missed the entire 2008-09 season with an injury to his achilles tendon, but is expected to begin training with the team again during the winter break.
His recovery could be a key factor in any potential offers for Marshall, who remains in the meantime, however, clearly on Mainz's radar screen, even if not yet in their immediate plans.
"Chad is still on our list but there will be no decision soon."
Mainz closed out the first half of their season yesterday afternoon dropping a 2-1 decision against Rot-Weiß Oberhausen.
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