FC St. Pauli

Manolis Saliakas on…

...seven wins in a row and scoring against Fürth: "We're obviously all happy things are going so well at the moment. I'm so glad to get on the scoresheet as well and I think that shows."

...the chance of setting a new club record of eight successive wins: "We aren't talking about the record. We keep taking each game as it comes. We’re prepared for every game we play and obviously want to make it eight wins in a row."

...the reasons for the outstanding second half of the season: "The mentality within the squad is a factor. We had to show mental strength to stave off the threat of relegation and that’s the mentality we had when the season started again. For me that's the main reason the second half of the season has been so good."

...the risk of getting overconfident: "I don't think the confidence we’re showing can turn into cockiness. That could have happened after five wins in a row as well, but it didn't."

...the chances of underestimating bottom side Sandhausen: "It can only become a banana skin if we don't listen to the coach and don't do what we're asked to do. Sandhausen will do their utmost to take the three points, so we have to prepare for the game especially well. We're putting all our energy into the preparations in the knowledge that we then go into an international break."

Manolis Saliakas celebrates with the fans after the 2-1 home win over Fürth.

...the progress he has made since joining the club: "I see that I’m making progress and it makes me happy to see it but I know I'm capable of even more and I want to prove that to myself."

...his quiet nature: "I'm generally a very modest person and quite reserved, but I show another side to myself when we win."

...not being picked for the national team: "I'm obviously sad and disappointed it hasn't worked out. I was named in the provisional squad but not in the final one. I was told the coach decided on two other players because they're a better fit for his plans and might even be better players, but I'm not questioning or doubting myself because I know how I'm performing here. For me it's another incentive to do better and prove myself. I'll give it my best shot because I want to get back into the national team."

...on whether he feels homesick during the long winter: "I feel very much at home here. The warmth comes from the people around me. I'm used to the weather now."

Photos: FC St. Pauli/Witters