Facing a challenging domestic league season, the German football club 1. FSV Mainz 05 is prioritizing its upcoming match against Sigma Olomouc in the Conference League round of 16. The first leg of the competition is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Olomouc.
Mainz 05’s coach emphasized the strength and organization of their opponent, describing Sigma Olomouc as a “compact, well-organized, perfectly attuned team that has proven its quality.” He noted their direct, quick attacking style and effectiveness from set pieces, stating they don’t require many chances to score.
Despite their focus on the Conference League, the coach assured reporters that the competition wouldn’t be secondary to their Bundesliga campaign, where they are currently battling to avoid relegation. “The domestic league is crucial for us; our survival depends on it,” he said. “But in Olomouc, we are playing in the round of 16 of the Conference League. This is the most important match Mainz 05 has ever played in European competition. We’ve never gotten this far, and we want to go further. We are therefore focusing exclusively on Sigma.”
The team plans to fully dedicate itself to the match against Sigma Olomouc before shifting its attention back to the Bundesliga and a Sunday game against Werder Bremen.
Forward Phillip Tietz, who joined Mainz 05 from Augsburg last month, expressed his excitement about competing in European competition for the first time. “I’m happy to be able to play in it,” he said. “I’m looking forward to it, but I’m not nervous or flustered. I’m a little older now. I’m taking the match in Olomouc like any other away game.”
Both the coach and Tietz highlighted the need to improve their team’s finishing. The coach pointed to a recent 2-2 draw against Stuttgart, where they created numerous opportunities but failed to capitalize. “We must not repeat that,” he stated. He also emphasized the positive atmosphere within the team, noting a balance of determination and enjoyment, even amidst their league struggles. “Football should be fun for us, even when we’re not doing our best in the domestic competition. We need to enjoy it,” Fischer concluded.
