Silas: “I want to give the fans something to enjoy on the pitch”

Mainz’s second signing of the January window has had a bumpy start to life as a 05er after putting pen to paper on his contract two weeks ago. His arrival in Mainz didn’t exactly go as he’d hoped: “I was ill when I got here, so the first few days were, unfortunately, pretty rough. Things have gotten a lot better since then and I’m now fit, have been welcomed and feel good,” said the Congolese attacker. He was forced to miss both the away game against Union Berlin and the home clash with Heidenheim with a flu-like illness, meaning he had to wait until the meeting with Köln to make his debut. Fischer wasted no time in giving Silas his first run-out, putting him straight into the starting XI.

After a long spell on the sidelines and a loan move from Stuttgart to Belgrade, the forward was able to show off his skills in the Bundesliga for the first time since May 2024, playing around an hour against Köln. “I think I settled into the game pretty well and showed my qualities a few times, especially when it comes to taking people on. Unfortunately, I couldn’t take my chances in front of goal, which is something I’ll continue to work on. I’m also working on my fitness, as I’m still missing a little bit.” He added that it may take a bit of time before he reaches 100%, but he’s on the right track.

A fresh start in Mainz

After a difficult period and a long-term ankle injury, the forward now has the opportunity to re-establish himself in the Bundesliga. “Injuries are always a setback. It’s tough as a footballer, because all you want is to play as much as possible. I’m lucky to have my family and lots of good friends here by my side, who have always supported me and helped me get back on my feet.” Silas also sees his move to Mainz as a fresh start: “A new club always brings new challenges – I have the chance to show what I can do here. I think the club and I are a good fit,” said the forward.

The 27-year-old is looking to contribute to Mainz’s attack through his ability in one-against-ones, his goal threat, his pace and his runs in behind. The Congolese doesn’t see himself as tied to a single position on the pitch: “Basically, I see myself as a winger, but I have played as a central striker and as part of a striker partnership. I can adapt to the system depending on what is required.”

Staying up is the priority

Silas was clear on his goals with Mainz: “Our aim as a team is to stay in the Bundesliga. As a striker, it’s important that I score as many goals as possible, but I also just want to give the fans something to enjoy on the pitch.” He was quite comfortable as a fan favourite in Stuttgart, adding: “My style of play has allowed me to excite the fans, which pushes me and gives me extra confidence. It would be great if I could do that here in Mainz as well.”

Playing on the European stage has given the 05ers an air of confidence, having qualified directly for the Conference League round of 16. “When you play in a competition like that, you want to go as far as you possibly can. Of course, the dream is to go all the way and win the whole thing – why not?” said Silas about the upcoming Conference League knockout phase.

“I’m really excited for my first home game”

Silas and Urs Fischer have already developed a certain chemistry early on: “I’ve had a great first impression of him. He helps me improve and explains his ideas in great detail. I’m happy and the trust is definitely there.” The attacker will hope to further build on that trust this coming Saturday in the home game against VfL Wolfsburg (15:30 CET). “I’m really excited for my first home match. Playing at home is always something special, so the anticipation ahead of Saturday is massive,” said Silas on a potential home debut at the weekend.