FC St. Pauli

...the Midtjylland friendly and the return to league action: "Once again we have to bring the basics to the pitch against Midtjylland. We have to be patient and keep the opposition away from our goal. There are still a few days until we play, and we'll discuss the details in the run-up. We're already looking forward to starting again in the league. We're preparing very well for the opener at Nürnberg and doing a very good job so far."

...his hopes of starting at Nürnberg: "I'm pleased to have been in the starting eleven recently. I'll try to defend my place and continue to do my best. I'm confident at the moment."

...the changes under head coach Fabian Hürzeler: "Lots of things are similar because he worked with Timo Schultz previously. Fabian is adding his ideas on how we should play football and now makes the decisions as head coach. We want to continue playing football and dominate matches. There haven't been any major changes in that respect, and our structure hasn't changed much either."

...the high intensity in training: "We know the position we're in and we're working very hard in training to prepare well for the second half of the season. You don't win games simply by playing football, you have to be aggressive and compact as well."

...performing well during the winter break: "The key is always to work hard, both in good and bad phases. You have to keep going and stay focused on the job. Patience is key as well. When new players arrive in my position, I only focus on myself and try to help the team at all times."

Adam Dźwigała scored twice in the 7-2 win against FC Lugano.

...the new signings: "They're all good lads and, more important, they're all good footballers who can help us this season."

...communicating in the group: "We mainly speak German, even though we have lots of foreign players in the squad. We're all learning German after all. Our meetings are in German, and we understand that."

...his flexibility and now regular spot in defence: "When I was younger, I thought it wasn't good if you can play in lots of positions. I think differently now because it's good if you can help the team in several positions. My main position is in central defence, of course, and I hope to start there in the opening game.

...his time at the club and in Hamburg: "It's definitely the best time in my career. I'm very happy here. My daughter was born here, which makes the connection more emotional. I can see myself staying longer."

Photos: FC St. Pauli/Witters