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Mainz expect Strasbourg to fire 'on all cylinders' to turn tie around
TL;DR
Mainz coach Urs Fischer anticipates a strong response from Racing Strasbourg in the upcoming Conference League quarter-final second leg, where Mainz leads 2-0. Fischer emphasizes the need for his team to be ready for a fierce challenge from the hosts.
Mainz head coach Urs Fischer gestures on the touchline during the German Bundesliga soccer match between FSV Mainz 05 and SC Freiburg at Mewa Arena. Torsten Silz/dpa
Mainz coach Urs Fischer is wary of a Racing Strasbourg backlash in Thursday's Conference League quarter-final second leg in France.
The Germans lead 2-0 from the first leg as they target a semi-final berth en route to what they hope is a first European trophy.
"I expect the hosts to come out firing on all cylinders. We need to be prepared for that," Swiss tactician Fischer told a news conference on Wednesday.
"We’ll do everything we can to ensure our journey does not come to an end."
Mainz have been boosted by playmaker Nadiem Amiri and Anthony Caci making their comebacks from injury in the 1-0 Bundesliga loss at home to Freiburg on Sunday.
Defender Caci wore the Strasbourg shirt for 11 years.
Despite the defeat, Mainz are all but safe domestically and on the brink of history in Europe. They were bottom of the Bundesliga when ex-Union Berlin boss Fischer, who led the Berliners to the Champions League in 2023, took over from the sacked Bo Henriksen in December.
The job Fischer has done is remarkable, but Strasbourg coach Gary O'Neil is not giving up hope for the home leg.
He said: "The first thing is to win, let's get in front if we can; we get to 1-0 and the atmosphere and everything will change. We know we have goals in the team."
Q&A
What is the score of the first leg between Mainz and Strasbourg in the Conference League quarter-finals?
Mainz leads 2-0 from the first leg against Racing Strasbourg.
What does Mainz coach Urs Fischer expect from Racing Strasbourg in the second leg?
Fischer expects Strasbourg to come out 'firing on all cylinders' in their attempt to turn the tie around.
What is at stake for Mainz in the upcoming match against Strasbourg?
Mainz is aiming for a semi-final berth in the Conference League, seeking their first European trophy.
