Mainz coach Fischer defends Königsdörffer after controversial celebrations

Mainz head coach Urs Fischer defended the controversial celebration of his striker Ransford Königsdörffer in the duel with his former club Hamburger SV. «I thought to myself, how would I have cheered? I think: he actually did a good job,” said Fischer at the press conference before the derby against Eintracht Frankfurt this Saturday (3:30 p.m./Sky).

Königsdörffer scored the goal to make it 5-0 last Sunday on his return to the Volksparkstadion and then cheered provocatively towards the HSV fans. When he came on as a substitute in the 68th minute, there were whistles against him. In an interview with the “Allgemeine Zeitung”, the attacker cited insults against himself as a motive.

The main reason was "that I received messages every week or every day for a year wishing me death or any conceivable injury," he explained. There were racist insults, “insults against my cousin, who died, against my parents. That was simply a reaction to that.” The insults all came via social media.

Fischer said very clearly: “It's crazy that things like this happen. You can write whatever you want online, you're anonymous - that's crazy." The Swiss answered questions on the topic and then said: “We have to tick the topic off. He expressed himself clearly, but that should be the end of the story.”

Mainz have taken four points from two games and are the only Bundesliga club yet to concede a goal. Opponent Eintracht, on the other hand, has already suffered seven goals. “My challenge is: Who do you put forward? I have something nice for a coach, namely being spoiled for choice,” said Fischer.

According to Frankfurt head coach Adi Hütter, his counterpart played a large part in Mainz's strong start. “He has been there since December 2025 and has now shaped the team the way he wants it,” explained the Austrian. “They play typical Urs Fischer football. They defend well, but also have offensive qualities.”