Mainz Climbs High, Leads Champions' Charge!
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz makes a government statement on the upcoming EU summit during the plenary session of the German Parliament (Bundestag). Carsten Koall/dpa Mainz aim to reach a European quarter-final for the first time in club history when they host Sigma Olomouc in the Conference League on Thursday. Mainz battled to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the last 16 tie a week ago in the Czech Republic, and coach Urs Fischer told reporters on Wednesday that anticipation is huge.
"It is an amazing game. A European quarter-final doesn't happen every year. You can make history for the club," he said.
Goalkeeper Daniel Batz said that "the chance to achieve something great. We are going into the match with maximum conviction. " Mainz need to juggle a fight against Bundesliga relegation with the European adventure but players have said that confidence from good results in Europe for the Bundesliga outweighs the additional workload.
Fischer said it will take another big effort to reach the last eight as "I expect a tight match. They are a compact team and doesn't shy away from duels. " Forward Silas suffered leg fractures in the first leg and is out along with influential Nadiem Amiri, Stefan Bell and goalkeeper Robin Zentner.
Benedict Hollerbach and Andreas Hanche-Olsen are sidelined long-term just as Silas. Philipp Tietz will play but his attacking partner is yet to be determined, and Fischer ruled out a system change up front.