FC St. Pauli

Sascha Burchert on…

…the mood in the camp: "It's really special this season. It started last season and we've been able to build on it. The key factor is that we kept the majority of the team together. That's a big advantage because it means the energy levels and the mood are good. The mood is usually good when you win so many games but it's even more special this season."

…his role in the team: "I see it as supporting, pushing and encouraging. Always making sure no one is dropping off and that we stay on the ball. We haven't achieved anything yet and we have to keep pushing. That said, I am ready on matchday if I'm needed, and in training I try to push Niko so he performs well. My motivation is to play at the weekend and not simply to be there and support the lads. I want to keep developing even at my age and put what I get from Fabi and Marco into practice. That's why an international break like this one is good because it gives us a chance to go over our patterns a few more times."

…training during the international break: "This week the players who haven't had as much game time have done more work practising our patterns. The repetition helps to make sure they're ready when it matters if, for example, a player is ruled out as has been the case recently."

…the goalkeeper training at FC St. Pauli: "We do the activation inside and then we get straight down to business on the training ground with Marco. There are lots of decisions you have to make – both with the ball at your feet and when you're defending your goal. It's really quite complex and you never know how the ball's going to come at you. You have to prepare for not knowing what's going to happen, just like in a game."

In close cooperation: goalkeeper coach Marco Knoop (left) and Sascha Burchert

…winning promotion with Hertha BSC and Greuther Fürth: "I was in my early 20s for my first two promotions with Hertha and had a different role then. I was the one being guided, which is different from how it was at Fürth or here this season as a leader. It's even more fun then."

…the focus in the team: "I've been at other teams where they've partied hard after a win. We're happy when we win a game but then it's about getting into the right frame of mind for the next game relatively quickly. You're kept on your toes all the time. In that respect Fabi leads by example like no other. That's carried into the team via the communication with him. If you don't already have it in you, he makes sure you get it."

…his future: "We're all focused on making sure the season continues the way it is. You only get seen if you're at the top end of the table. You have no options for signing another contract or moving to another club when you're bobbing around in mid-table. Every player is performing and that's good for the player and good for St. Pauli. I feel at home and sense I'm needed even though I've only played a few games. I feel I'm in the right place here."


Photos: FC St. Pauli