Henriksen: “Already gives me goosebumps”

For the first time since the 2016/17 season, 1. FSV Mainz 05 are back in Europe. To secure their place in the UEFA Conference League group stage, however, the 05ers must first come through the play-offs against Rosenborg BK. The Norwegian top-flight side advanced past Sweden’s Hammarby IF and will host the first leg in Trondheim on Thursday evening (18:00 CEST).

Quotes from the press conference from…

...head coach Bo Henriksen…

…on the upcoming match: “We know it’s going to be a tough game and that it’s always difficult to win away at Rosenborg because of the fantastic atmosphere in their stadium. Of course, we’ve analysed them thoroughly and we know what to expect. It’ll definitely be intense, but that suits us really well – we’re looking forward to it.”

…on drawing Rosenborg: “We probably didn’t get the easiest possible draw for the play-offs – but neither did Rosenborg. On paper we might be the favourites, but anything can happen in these two matches, so nothing will be decided tomorrow.”

…on the travelling fans: “It’s absolutely extraordinary that over 1,300 of our supporters are coming to Norway to back us in such an important game. Even before the opponent, the destination and the exact date were confirmed, so many of them had already bought their tickets. Just talking about it now gives me goosebumps.”

…defender Andreas Hanche-Olsen…

…on returning to his homeland: “Of course, it’s really special for me to play here. I’ll be facing familiar faces, including some I’ve played alongside before. And some of my family will be in the stadium tomorrow too – that makes me really happy.”

…on pressure in knockout games: “I think you have to treat that pressure in a positive way because it means there’s something at stake. We had a fantastic season last year and earned this opportunity – now we can qualify for the group stage, which would be a great achievement for us.”

…on his fitness: “I got a few minutes in the game in Dresden and it feels great to be back out on the pitch. I feel fit and I think I’ve recovered really well from the knee procedure.”