Small lung volume
More than 60 minutes of playing time? Bayern loan “can’t”
Updated January 18, 2025 – 10:00 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Armindo Sieb is fit and plays regularly in the Bundesliga. Still, he never plays 90 minutes. Now his coach speaks out.
A 21-year-old professional who only lasts an hour in the Bundesliga: Armindo Sieb from Mainz 05 is regularly replaced early. Most recently during the week at 0-1 in Leverkusen. Coach Bo Henriksen explained: “He only wants and can play 60 minutes.” But it quickly became clear: the statement was misleading – it’s about more than just playing time.
When asked by the “Bild” newspaper, the Danish coach explained: “That was wrong of me. Of course he wants to play 90 minutes, but he can’t.” The statement raises further questions. Why can’t a Bundesliga professional play a whole game at such a young age?
Henriksen specified: “When he came to us, it was enough for 20 to 25 minutes. Now it’s 60 to 70 minutes. He’s making progress every day.” The man from Mainz suggested that it could be a conditional problem with Sieb, but did not elaborate: “I’m a trainer, not a doctor.”
According to information from the “Bild” newspaper, Sieb was found to have an unusually small lung volume. Although this does not affect him in competitive sports, it does mean that his performance noticeably declines after about an hour. This was already noticed during the medical check in the summer. Nevertheless, Mainz decided to commit.
Sieb was loaned to Mainz by FC Bayern at the beginning of July. The jewel of the German record champions has already played 16 Bundesliga games for the club and contributed two goals and two assists. He is scheduled to return to Munich next summer.