FC St. Pauli

Eric Smith on…

...the final game of the season: “It’s another opportunity for us to develop further. We want to end a fantastic second half of the season on a high and build on the good performances in order to go into the summer break with a good feeling, so we’ll give it all we’ve got on Sunday.”

...the chance to set a new record second half with 43 points: “We aren’t giving it any thought. We’re staying true to our style of play, taking each game as it comes and focusing on the job in hand. It’s important to sign off with a positive result to give us a boost for next season. It’s been a crazy season and we want to give our all one last time in the final game. I’m very proud of the team as far as the season is concerned.”

...the short summer break: “I’m looking forward to our next game first and only then to the break (he laughs). Yes, the summer break will be very short, but we don’t get the opportunity very often to have a longer one. I’ll still have enough time to visit my family in Sweden and I’m really looking forward to it.”

...the impetus the team can take into next season: “The core of the team will remain, which is very pleasing. It’s down to those of us who’ve been here a while to integrate the new signings properly and infuse them with our mentality, identity and style of play as soon as possible. Then there’s no reason why we can’t get off to a good start to the new season.”

...opponents Karlsruher SC: “It’s a tough game to finish with. We’ll watch a few more videos of them but in general, we’d do well to focus on ourselves. Everyone will be fully focused. We want to play good football for 90 minutes and I hope we’ll emerge victorious.”

...the injuries he’s had this season: “I’m obviously frustrated when I can’t play or help the team. I’ve made 27 competitive appearances this season, which is more than last season and the one before that, and that’s good, but I don’t want to think too much about injuries (he laughs). I obviously hope I can stay fit throughout next season and that’s my goal. I do everything I can to play in every game.”

...an emotional final day at the Millerntor: “It’s going to be very special. For some players it’s their last game at the Millerntor and for FC St. Pauli, so Karlsruher SC it’s going to be even more special. That’s one reason we want to perform particularly well on Sunday so we can give those players a worthy send-off. They deserve it because they’ve given their all for the club and the team and we want to thank them for that with a win.”

Photos: FC St. Pauli/Witters