Taking over for sacked Bo Henriksen in early December when Mainz sat last with just six points, Fischer has overseen a remarkable resurgence. His side has collected 25 points in 2026 alone, climbing to ninth place with 33 points and effectively securing Bundesliga safety with six matchdays remaining.
Despite the improved position, the 60-year-old coach insists Mainz remain in a relegation battle. 'We're still fighting for survival. Nothing has been achieved yet,' Fischer told Kicker. The team's revival also includes European ambitions, with Mainz still alive in the Conference League quarterfinals and having beaten top opponents including Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, and most recently Hoffenheim.