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

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

St Pauli, Deutschland - in Hamburg it goes around again: FC St. Pauli started the season preparation for the Bundesliga season 2025/2026. After a well -deserved break, coach Alexander Blessin is fully there again and ready to set his team to the upcoming challenge. "It is just fun to see the players again," said Blessin immediately after the first training session, which was characterized by a positive mood and a lot of energy. The newcomers already show that they bring a breath of fresh air to the team. Blessin is in regular exchange with sports director Andreas Bornemann to discuss further access to the still existing construction sites in the squad, especially on the offensive and on the left-back position.

But not everything runs 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 trainers, players and staff and recognizes progress in the interpersonal relationship with Afolayan. "It is a challenge to leave a good impression without hitting yourself," said Blessin. The team itself seems to deal well with Afolayan, nobody wears him. He is highly motivated in terms of sport and has good relationships with his teammates, such as Nikola Vasilj, Eric Smith and Karol Mets, who took part in Mallorca, for example, in June.

preparations for the new season

The upcoming matches are already on the piece of paper. On July 16, the first test game against GW Firrel will take place in Aurich, followed by a summer training camp in Flachau, Austria, from July 18 to 27. The team has the entire preparation with the aim of starting Borussia Dortmund on August 22nd or 23rd. Hard to believe: A week later, the city derby is waiting against the new second division club HSV in the Volksparkstadion. "We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but I am confident," said Blessin.

The upcoming tasks are also not easy. Blessin speaks of a "hard second season" in the Bundesliga after things were anything but according to plan in the last season for FC St. Pauli. In addition to the loss of some key players such as Morgan Guilavogui, Elias Saad and Philipp loyal, everyone is now focused on the newcomers. The Brazilian offensive player Mathias Pereira Lage and Ricky-Jade Jones, a striker from Peterborough, have already found their places in the squad, but Blessin Jones does not see the main solution for the storm problem.

look at the next steps

The focus is also on the injured. While captain Jackson Irvine takes additional time to return to training, Manoli's Saliacas is carefully integrated again after he had to struggle with a pubic injury. Even an investigation into another player, Josef Ollig, is coming up to clarify the situation. Blessin is optimistic and looks forward. "We have to become more flexible in our game system and try out different formations," he demands and involves the needs of the team in the planning. "The focus is initially on the next game, but the early derby against HSV will certainly cause a lot of tension."

whether FC St. Pauli can reduce the distance to the top and what the new players bring. Preparation is ongoing and a good knack for squad planning will be crucial for the coming season. The football fans in Hamburg can be excited.