According to this kicker article, 1. FSV Mainz 05 has signed South Korean international left back Joo-Ho Park from FC Basel.
1-1 tie against Nürnberg on Friday (Dec 6). Only goal for Mainz scored by Okazaki in the 75th min. Choupo-Moting had a chance to win it in the final 10 mins but his weak attempt went straight towards the GK. Stefan Bell has been really steady at CB recently. Also had a crucial save off the goal line during the game. Manager Tuchel seems to really like Benedikt Saller who came on for Zimling. He's been coming off the bench as a sub quite regularly since he's been promoted. Though Malli should have been brought in to provide more offensive impact.
This thread's title is spot on again! Back to Euope! I hope we can finally make it to the group stage... I can't eally enjoy the Euro League qualification yet though, as Tuchel seems to be on his way out. If so, I hope Heidel and Strutz can come up with a good replacement. I think many players are in Mainz in part or even mainly because of Tuchel. They need to find a coach not too different to him. Someone who is great with young players.
What good would that do? According to sueddeutsche.de Mainz had the highest average age in the Bundesliga both 2012/13 and 13/14 and according to transfermarkt.de 9 of the 10 oldest starting 11s this season were fielded by Mainz with the record being 29,73!
Mainz win 1-0 vs Greek club Asteras Tripolis in the first leg of Europa League 3rd round qualification. Shinji Okazaki scored in the 45th min for the home team. This also marks the first competitive match with new coach Kasper Hjulmand. Mainz next travel to Greece for the return leg on August 7.
Well, that was another very short visit to the outskirts of Europe. Time to let this thread sink down to the bottom of the boards again...
Clearly missed Nicolai Muller and Choupo-Moting's firepower. Okazaki not good enough to play lone striker