Overview

• FSV Mainz 05 begins its Conference League ligaphase on Thursday at 18:45 against Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus, with coverage on RTL/ntv.
• Sporting director Christian Heidel acknowledged he once dismissed the competition but now calls it a very exciting tournament.
• Heidel said Mainz will avoid bold public promises and aims first to win in Cyprus, with the stated target of advancing from the group.
• Mainz’s group includes Omonia Nicosia, AC Fiorentina, Lech Poznań, Zrinjski Mostar, Samsunspor and Universitatea Craiova.
• Despite a Bundesliga start of four points from five matches, Heidel described the European fixtures as a special occasion for the club and city.