FC St. Pauli

Connor Metcalfe on…

...his first few days in Hamburg: "I've rocked up at a good time. The weather is good and everyone has been really welcoming. I haven't found a flat yet, though, I've heard it's pretty difficult in Hamburg."

...his move to FC St. Pauli: I wanted a new challenge. Europe is where football is at, so that's why I decided to come here. I chose St. Pauli because they showed the most interest. Obviously, I did my research on the club. It has such an amazing history. I spoke to Jackson when I heard they were interested. He told me a lot about the club and he honestly didn't say a bad word. I spoke to a few other people as well, like Matthew Leckie. He told me more about Germany in general rather than St. Pauli."

...leaving Australia: "It's an adventure for me. Australia's my home, my whole family's there. I've come to Hamburg alone, so obviously it's a big step for me personally. I've always wanted to at least travel to Europe and now I get the opportunity to live here, so that's pretty special."

...choosing to play football rather than a more typical Australian sport: "I started playing football at school.  The other sports we play in Australia are very physical and I was too small. I wasn't built for them so I chose football and I've been happy ever since."

Connor Metcalfe (seen here under challenge from Kiel’s Mikkel Kirkeskov in the recent warm-up game) picked Jackson Irvine’s brain, of course, before his move to the club.

...qualifying for the World Cup with Australia: "I didn't play in the play-offs, and I think it was due to players being back from injury. They were big games, so the coach wanted to play the most experienced players. I watched the first game at home with my family, and then when they qualified I was on the plane, so I didn't get to watch it. I got off the plane and I looked at my phone and saw they had qualified, so it was good. I'd love to be involved at the World Cup, of course. Coming here increases my chances of going."

...getting used to driving on the right in Hamburg: "The first drive was scary but I'm getting better! Everything's just the opposite. You have to watch the other side of the car, and turning is a bit difficult, but I'm getting better and I think I'm used to it now."

...his favourite position and style of play: "I like the number eight position because you do both – attacking and defending. I like to help on both sides of the game. On the pitch, I'm quite aggressive and some games get heated (he laughs). So far it's been a lot more physical here compared with Australia and everything's a lot quicker. For me personally I have to get used to that. It means fewer touches and being quicker in my decision-making. That will just take time and come with experience."

...his personal goals: "I want to play as many games as I can. It's a tough team to break into because there are so many good players."

Photos: Witters