soccer

Fischer credits Mainz turnaround to 'little things' tweaks

Mainz 05 head coach Urs Fischer has detailed how he transformed the club from Bundesliga bottom-dwellers into European contenders in an interview with Kicker magazine.

Taking over in December when Mainz was dead last with just six points, Fischer has guided the team to 33 points and ninth place in the table. His side has also reached the Conference League quarterfinals while maintaining hopes of European qualification via the Bundesliga.

Despite the remarkable turnaround, Fischer insists his team isn't safe from relegation yet. "We're still in the relegation battle, and nothing has been achieved yet," the 60-year-old told Kicker. "We're fighting to survive in the league while trying to accomplish something on the international stage."