Manuel Friedrich, under contract at Werder Bremen until 2006, will move to FSV Mainz 05 on a loan deal with immediate effect. The second division have no option to buy as Friedrich will return to Bremen at the end of the season. "After his injury, he will have the oportunity at Mainz to regain his bite and his match fitness, which we can't offer him at this level", said sport-director Klaus Allofs.

Friedrich is looking forward to this new challenge until the end of the season. He will travel to Mainz on Thursday and take part in training on Friday. "I'm expected to take part in a friendly game against Union Solingen on Friday night. I'm going to give my all to develop on a sporting level over the coming months. If I can, during this time, help Mainz in their promotion bid then that would be a really big thing".

Manuel Friedrich moved from Mainz to Werder in summer 2002, but tore a cruciate ligament in pre-season preparation. Following his recuperation, the same faith would befall him again in November 2002. Friedrich played a major part in Thomas Wolters regional-league side this season, playing only once in the Bundesliga during Bremens 4:1 home win against Hertha Berlin for just seven minutes.