FC St. Pauli fights for precision: coach Blessin is looking for solutions

Von Kl Redaktion

The promoted FC St. Pauli is under pressure after two defeats at the beginning of the Bundesliga. After a 0-1 defeat against 1. FC Union Berlin, the team is looking for solutions to improve their offensive performance. Striker Johannes Eggestein found clear words after the game: "The precision in the last third is missing. As a team, we have to get better to get the second balls." This next training break becomes an important phase for Hamburgers in which they have to tackle their weaknesses.

Five days earlier St. Pauli had to give up 0-2 in a home game against FC Heidenheim. After the second matchday, coach Alexander Blessin expressed that the combinations of his team in midfield looked liquid, but barely noteworthy scoring opportunities were played out. "In the last third we were missing the conviction. It was difficult because Union was compact," said Blessin, adding that the early goal brought the team out of the concept.

weaknesses on the defensive

A particularly annoying topic for Blessin are the goals after standard situations. Shortly after Benedict Hollerbach's opening goal in the 34th minute, defense chief Eric Smith had to be injured from the pitch. Blessin criticized the defensive: "The second game with a goal after a standard situation. We have to defend that better." These deficits will surely take a decisive place in the next training session if St. Pauli is preparing for the next opponent.

However, the Hamburgers showed some positive approaches in the second half of the game. Due to the substitution of the outside players Elias Saad and Oladapo Afolayan, they won more game shares and got into play better. Another bright spot was the almost scored gate in added time, which could have brought the hope of a point win. Blessin follows a clear structure that enables the offensive players to get an overview from the bank. Even if Saad and Afolayan take a seat on the bench, they could get their chance in the starting eleven in the near future.

a new approach in playing style

For the former Bundesliga striker, it is important that the team is established and has a solid defensive basic order. Eggestein was positive about the changeover, which was carried out in the 61st minute, and emphasized that the 3-4-3 system worked well against deep opponents. "We are strong in possession of the ball," he said. But he also had to admit: "In the end we had too few top -class players." The challenge for St. Pauli is now to create these chances and not just act through the ball possession.

With a clear plan and the focus on the upcoming caps, St. Pauli has the opportunity to reorganize themselves and make the necessary adjustments to exist in the Bundesliga. It remains to be seen how the coaching group and the players will react to the difficulties so far. The upcoming training sessions could be crucial for bringing the team back into the success of success and bringing the points into the club's account.