Mainz 05 officially announced on Sunday the appointment of 59-year-old Urs Fischer as the first-team coach. The two sides signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, valid until June 30, 2028.

Fischer was sacked by Union Berlin in November 2023 and has been unemployed since. Since taking over in June 2018, he first led Union Berlin to promotion from the 2. Bundesliga to the Bundesliga, and then helped the team qualify for the European Championship, Europa League and Champions League.

According to Transfermarkt statistics, Fischer's overall record with Union Berlin is 95 wins, 58 draws, and 71 losses.

Besides Union Berlin, Fischer also served as manager of Zurich, Thun, and Basel. At Basel, he led the team to two Swiss Super League titles and one Swiss Cup, and also secured a Champions League spot once.

Regarding Fischer's arrival, Mainz Sporting Director Christian Heidel commented: "Urs Fischer has proven at every stage of his coaching career that he can both organize and develop a team, and win the trust of the dressing room in a calm and empathetic manner. His achievements and qualities make him one of the most sought-after coaches today. That is why we are very pleased that he immediately showed interest in the opportunity to join Mainz 05 and did not hesitate to commit to working hand in hand with the club."

Fischer stated, "There are no easy jobs in football – that's precisely its charm. After in-depth discussions with Christian Heidel and Nico Bungert, I'm convinced that Mainz 05 is the ideal home for me. The club's off-field values, its never-give-up spirit, its relentless pressing tactics, and the passion of the fans at the Mainz Arena – I'm eagerly anticipating this challenge and firmly believe that we can turn things around together."

On Thursday local time, Fischer will face Polish champions Lech Poznań in the Europa League. However, his primary task is to lead Mainz out of the relegation zone, where they are currently bottom of the Bundesliga under Bo Henriksen with a record of 1 win, 3 draws and 9 losses.