FC St. Pauli

...the opening-day defeat against Heidenheim: "It was a bitter defeat. We did lots of things right, but there were a few mistakes too.  We had to take on board the painful lesson that we need to stretch ourselves if we're to take anything from games. We could have got something, we had clear chances. That gives me reason to feel positive. We allowed just two and a half chances in all and did well at keeping Heidenheim away from the goal. Our defence was solid and compact. What was missing was a goal. We need to be even sharper and hungrier in the final third. After the initial analysis, our focus very quickly switched to Union."

…the subject of efficiency and how you can practice it: "It’s a tricky issue and if you do take it on, that can work or it can backfire too. Or you don’t address it all in training and the efficiency comes anyway. In pre-season we were incredibly efficient. The first approach is the final pass, to take that final step and then to want to score. We’re not content, but we’re not going to over-dramatise anything. What’s very important for me is that against Heidenheim we had a good number of chances. We need to continue to create those chances and then be more decisive with our efforts on goal and have the sheer hunger to score."

…the match at Union Berlin: "It will be a another tough game. We’ll definitely have to give it our all. But with a bit of luck in front of goal, we hope to come away from Berlin with something. My assumption is that compared to the game against Heidenheim there will be even more long balls and there will be a lot of battling for the second ball. There will be lots of ping-pong situations, where we’ll need to find solutions to get the ball down on the ground with a few touches."

…the potentially permanent role of outsiders: "It’s generally always that way. The times when a promoted club has been classed as having nothing to do with relegation have been few and far between. After ten games, you’ll perhaps be able to see how we’ve settled. We accept the role. We want to establish ourselves. Our performance level has pleased me so far. We can build on that, and then also soon hopefully see some points."

…his assessment of our capabilities: "It’s hard to say after just the first game. Heidenheim had two games in a week and made lots of changes. I wouldn’t presume to make an assessment. But after ten matches you can certainly then judge where our quality rates."

…possible transfers: "If we feel that something can still be done in a position where we still perhaps need to act, and it works both in a financial and playing sense, then we’ll certainly do all we can to do it. But we’re not in a position that we absolutely have to do something. We’ve got a well-balanced squad. We’ll calmly see whether anything arises, and if it does, then we’ll be on it and ready."

Photos: Witters