FC St. Pauli

Alexander Blessin on…

the injury situation: "We had 25 players on the pitch for the first part of training today, something we've never had before. Many of the players who've been out injured are making good progress. Elias Saad was able to take part in most of the session, but the game comes around too early for him. We're seeing players gradually coming back, which for me as a coach is a good feeling. You're spoilt for choice then, of course, but that's nice. The team no longer picks itself. The lads have to push themselves."

…the short winter break: "One coach said to me it felt more like a weekend. We used the time to lick our wounds and have a rest. The break was extremely short, though. After a couple of days you're back again. We're happy to get started, though, and are looking forward to a packed Millerntor."

…new recruits James Sands, Noah Weißhaupt and Abdoulie Ceesay: "They've made a very positive impression. They've settled in well and are good lads who open and clear in their minds. James last played in late November and has had quite a long break. He's kept himself fit but there are moments when you notice he's not quite there yet. He gets stuck in and has completed every session. He's not letting up. Noah hasn't had much of a break and is obviously raring to go as he hasn't played much. He gives us quality in the one-on-ones and with his pace. Ceesay is a raw diamond for me, a very interesting player from the video footage. He has good pace, a good touch and is a good finisher. He makes us more variable. He's very inquisitive. He's just turned 21 and needs more time."

…the sense of togetherness in the squad: "It's incredibly important for a newly promoted Bundesliga side and it's important for Andreas Bornemann and me. It's about the cohesion in the group. It's nice when the lads not only get on well together but complement each other as well. I'm very happy with the togetherness shown by the central core and each individual player. That's what makes a team, and it gives us the strength and the belief that there's plenty we can achieve this season."

…opponents Eintracht Frankfurt: "Very interesting opposition who've not really clicked on the pitch despite having a really good squad. I speak from experience, having faced them in the Round of 16 of the Europa League last year. They weren't quite operating as a team then, but they are now and have signed the right players, who've added mentality and togetherness as well as individual quality. They have lots of pacy players and are one of the quickest teams in the league."

…defending against a prolific Frankfurt side: "We want to focus on our own strengths. Bringing them to the pitch will help us cancel out their strengths as far as possible. Marmoush and Ekitiké like to get in behind but also drop back into midfield to collect the ball. That will be the threat. It'll come down to these transitions. They're always dangerous. We have to react very quickly when we lose possession and make sure we have plenty of cover in deep."

Photos: Witters