FC St. Pauli in training camp: system question and hot competition!

FC St. Pauli in training camp: system question and hot competition!

Today, July 18, 2025, FC St. Pauli started its training camp in Flachau. Coach Alexander Blessin has a clear goal: all players in the squad should receive enough playing time. This is particularly important as the squad has changed due to the departures of Noah Weißhaupt and Elias Saad and Blessin now wants to use a formation based on the successful 3-5-2 or 3-4-2-1 systems that he used at Royal Union Saint-Gilloise. The competition is more intense than ever, especially in the double six.

In order to optimally prepare for the coming challenges, the team will spend an intensive training camp in Austria from July 18th to 27th, 2025. In addition to numerous training sessions, two test matches are also planned - against Karlsruher SC and OGC Nice. However, Blessin stressed that the results of these games should not be overestimated, as the main thing is the individual improvement in the players' performance that he wants to bring.

Positive developments in the squad

A number of new signings have already brought a breath of fresh air into the team. Players like Andréas Hountondji, Mathias Pereira Lage and Joel Chima Fujita were able to shine with positive performances in the first test matches. James Sands, returning from injury, could also play a key role in central midfield. With regard to the offensive, Danel Sinani is being taken into account, who has noticeably improved in his aggressiveness against the ball and could act as a floating number 10. His teammate Abdoulie Ceesay even scored his first goal for FC St. Pauli, but still needs to work on his consistency.

Connor Metcalfe is an all-rounder in various positions, but is not suitable as a winger. In addition to these developments, Jackson Irvine and Karol Mets will also complete individual programs in training camp, while Ricky-Jade Jones unfortunately has to miss out due to shoulder surgery. Another positive sign is that five young players - Kevin Jendrzej, Jannik Westphal, Rawley St. John, Oleg Skakun and Nick Schmidt - will have the chance to prove themselves in the training camp. Romeo Aigbekaen, on the other hand, will not be traveling as a move has been suggested.

The timetable for the season

FC St. Pauli starts the 2025/26 season in the Bundesliga with high expectations. Training started on July 3rd, 2025 at Kollaustrasse, followed by test games in Aurich against GW Firrel on July 6th and at SV Drochtersen/Assel on July 12th. After the training camp in Flachau, the DFB Cup is on the agenda between August 15th and 18th, 2025, followed by the first Bundesliga matchday from August 22nd to 24th, 2025. So time is of the essence and FC St. Pauli must quickly form a powerful team.

The developments surrounding FC St. Pauli in these exciting weeks make it clear that there is a lot to watch. The fans can be excited to see how the team performs in training camp and how the new players integrate into the team. With a clear plan in hand and fresh talent, the team is well positioned to master the coming season.

For detailed information and further developments surrounding FC St. Pauli you can visit the official pages: Millernton and fcstpauli.com.