“Refreshed and ready” for a “huge game”

An historic evening awaits Mainz 05 on Thursday (kick-off 18:45 CET). Urs Fischer and his team have a great chance of reaching the UEFA Conference League quarter-final stage when they take on Sigma Olomouc in front of 30,000 FSV fans in the club’s first European knockout tie on home soil.

“The chance to write history does not come around every year”, emphasised Fischer at Wednesday afternoon’s press conference. “We approach the game in a positive manner, but it will be hard work”, added the Swiss coach. The 05ers left themselves in a reasonable position after the first leg, coming away from Czechia with a goalless draw; however, they are fully aware of the danger that remains present. Therefore, Daniel Batz, who took to the microphone alongside Fischer, demanded for “more urgency” to be shown on Thursday. “We were too predictable in Olomouc”, the goalkeeper reflected.

during the press conference, Urs Fischer spoke about...

...the significance of the game: “It is something special for the whole club and we are fully determined to reach the quarter-final after this home leg. The past few results should provide confidence, and we want to show that out on the pitch tomorrow. It is a huge game for the club and the fans. We are really excited for it.”

...possible rotation: “The need to manage players’ workloads is not too great. Obviously, Sunday is in the back of our minds, but focus remains clearly on tomorrow. The lads are refreshed and ready. ”

...Lee’s role for the midweek game: “We need to protect him now and then and pay close attention to his playing time.”

...analysis of the first leg: “Our performance off the ball was not as we would have hoped and that came to light in our analysis. I nevertheless believe that it will be a close game. The first leg demonstrated their compactness at the back, how well-organised they set up and their intensity in the challenges. We didn’t give too much away there and also avoided conceding set-pieces. We require a top display tomorrow.”

...team news: “There are not many surprises besides the injuries we already had (editor’s note: Zentner, Bell, Caci, Hanche-Olsen, Amiri, Hollerbach and Silas). What pleased me today was that Caci was able to complete the entirety of team training. However, he obviously still needs some time.”

...attacking options following injury to Silas: “We have choices for the front line besides Silas and Becker (editor’s note: could not be registered for the Conference League). I am thinking of either Weiper of Sieb to fill the spot. Both can score goals but are different types of striker and had their chances in the first leg. Veratschnig also showed his attacking abilities in training today.”

daniel batz spoke about...

...potential for improvement from the first leg: “We need a lot more urgency on the ball and were too easy to predict in Olomouc. We can do them damage in behind but need pace and depth to make that happen.”

...dreams of reaching the final: “As a player, you can’t afford to focus on the game after the one you’re about to play. We have the chance to achieve something great but in order to do that we will need to beat a very good opponent tomorrow. If we can manage that then we will concentrate on the Frankfurt game and not on the quarter-final or anything more.”

...the atmosphere: “I am sure that the fans will get the stadium rocking. We want to play our part in that, and the goosebumps will come naturally.”