Preview 11.03.2026 - 21:00 Uhr
Away in Olomouc: "Aware of the significance of this game"
Ahead of the first leg of their UEFA Conference League round of 16 clash away to Sigma Olomouc, Mainz 05 head coach Urs Fischer and striker Phillip Tietz answered questions from the media.
On Thursday evening, 1. FSV Mainz 05 take to the field for the first European knockout fixture in the club’s history when they will face Sigma Olomouc away from home (kick-off 21:00 CET). FSV finished the competition league phase in seventh place after picking up 13 points over the course of six matches and, in doing so, secured direct qualification for the last 16 stage.
The play-offs were required by Sigma Olomouc in order to reach this round of the tournament, defeating Lausanne Sport 3-2 on aggregate after ending the league phase in 24th place and on seven points (W2, D1, L3). The 05ers can rely on the backing of 650 travelling fans during this first-leg tie in Czechia.
Urs Fischer spoke about...
...the feeling within the team: “The final training session at Bruchweg was positive and I perceive the team to be focused, but also somewhat relaxed. There is no shortage of enjoyment, which is important, because you should have fun while playing football.”
...the upcoming opponent: “In my opinion, Sigma Olomouc pose a very compact and well-organised team. They look to play, operate directly and with many vertical balls. They are also threatening from set pieces and are efficient in front of goal – they do not need a lot of chances to score. On top of that, they do not duck out of any challenges and are very adept physically. Therefore, tomorrow’s game will be hard work for us.”
...the importance of the Bundesliga and Conference League: “Of course, our day job of the Bundesliga stays at the forefront of our minds and is the clear priority. Nevertheless, this is the round of 16 of the Conference League and hence the biggest European game in club history. We have travelled here with the ambition for success on Thursday and we are certainly focused on this task at hand. Afterwards, we will then have two days to prepare for our next challenge in Bremen.”
...potential rotation: “There is a possibility that we will alter our starting line-up somewhat. However, there will not be major changes in the name of managing workloads, as this is our first midweek game since January. There will be a few adjustments made but no full-sail changes.”
...going into the tie as favourites: “I do not see us as the favourites. We are playing away against a really good team, who operate well, and I believe that we need to focus on ourselves and do the basics right. Based on our most recent experience against Stuttgart, when we were rather sloppy with our opportunities, we need to learn and make sure we do that better tomorrow in order to give a good game here.”
Phillip Tietz spoke about...
...the potential for his first appearance in Europe on Thursday: “Until now, it has felt like any other away game and I am both excited and nervous, currently. However, I am sure that I will be very excited to get playing here ahead of kick-off.”
...the importance of the upcoming fixture: “We are obviously aware of the significance of this game for the club and will give it our all in order to win. That is the plan, and we would love most of all to be flying back on Friday with a win in the bag.”
...choosing to move to Mainz: “Taking part in the Conference League definitely played something of a role in my decision to come to Mainz. Although, it was not the main reason for my transfer.”
