Afolayan under observation: Can he inspire St. Pauli again?

Afolayan under observation: Can he inspire St. Pauli again?

Things are going well again in Hamburg: FC St. Pauli has started preparations for the 2025/2026 Bundesliga season. Coach Alexander Blessin is back after a well-deserved break and ready to prepare his team for the coming challenge. “It's just a joy to see the players again,” said Blessin immediately after the first training session, which was characterized by a positive atmosphere and a lot of energy. The new additions are already showing that they are bringing a breath of fresh air into the team. Blessin is in regular contact with sports director Andreas Bornemann to discuss further additions to the remaining construction areas in the squad, especially in the offensive and in the left-back position.

But not everything goes smoothly. Oladapo Afolayan, who spoke critically about the defensive game system and his own performance after last season, is still under observation. Blessin emphasizes the importance of respect between coaches, players and staff and recognizes progress in the interpersonal relationship with Afolayan. “It’s a challenge to make a good impression without trying to ingratiate yourself,” Blessin explained. The team itself seems to treat Afolayan well, and no one bears any grudge against him. He is highly motivated in sport and has good relationships with his teammates, such as Nikola Vasilj, Eric Smith and Karol Mets, who, for example, took part in his wedding in Mallorca in June.

Preparations for the new season

The upcoming matches are already on the list. The first friendly against GW Firrel will take place in Aurich on July 16th, followed by a summer training camp in Flachau, Austria, from July 18th to 27th. The team has completed all the preparation with the aim of starting against Borussia Dortmund on August 22nd or 23rd. It's hard to believe that a week later the city derby against the new second division team HSV is already waiting in the Volksparkstadion. “We still have a lot of work to do, but I’m confident,” said Blessin.

But the tasks ahead are not easy either. Blessin speaks of a “tough second season” in the Bundesliga after things didn’t go according to plan for FC St. Pauli last season. In addition to the loss of some key players such as Morgan Guilavogui, Elias Saad and Philipp Treu, all eyes are now on the new additions. Brazilian attacker Mathias Pereira Lage and Peterborough striker Ricky-Jade Jones have already found their places in the squad, but Blessin does not see Jones as the main solution to the attacking problem.

Looking at the next steps

The focus is also on the injured. While captain Jackson Irvine needs extra time to return to training, Manolis Saliakas is being cautiously reintegrated after struggling with a pubic bone injury. There is even an investigation into another player, Josef Ollig, to clarify the situation. Blessin is optimistic and looking forward. “We have to become more flexible in our game system and try out different formations,” he demands, taking the team’s needs into account in the planning. “The focus is initially on the next game, but the early derby against HSV will certainly provide a lot of excitement.”

It remains to be seen whether FC St. Pauli can narrow the gap to the top and what the new players will bring. Preparation is underway and a good hand in squad planning will be crucial for the coming season. Football fans in Hamburg can be excited.