Mainz 05 general manager Christian Heidel has expressed his desire to extend the contract of head coach Thomas Tuchel.

Tuchel joined the club in 2009 before leading them to a best-ever league finish of fifth in 2011, helping them qualify for the Europa League.

They now sit just one point behind the final European spot this season, although their current position of seventh would be enough to see them reach the Europa League again if the finalists of the DFB-Pokal both qualify for a continental competition.

Heidel is delighted with the job that the 40-year-old has done so far and made no secret of his desire to see him stay at the club for even longer.

"We're very happy with him and if he wants to extend his contract, then it would only take a matter of minutes," Heidel told Sport Bild magazine.

Mainz, who have lost just one of their last seven league matches, will face Schalke 04 in their next outing on Friday.