Hürzeler ahead of clash with HSV: "Bringing back the city championship"
Coach Fabian Hürzeler rejects the role of favorite for his FC St. Pauli in the city duel against Hamburger SV despite leading the table in the 2nd Bundesliga. "There is no favorite in this game," said the 30-year-old on Wednesday. "HSV will also see it similarly, that it's a 50:50 game, that it's about gaining the momentum on your side." He believes that there is a great deal of respect for each other. "Our task on Friday will clearly be to reclaim the city championship."
However, the 110th edition of the derby is not only particularly explosive because of the decades-long rivalry. This time it is also the top match in the 2nd division. "One against two - that's as good as it gets," said Hürzeler. Given the quality of HSV, the coach is expecting a difficult opponent who, like his team, "has a playful approach."
Ahead of the match on Friday (18:30/Sky) at the Millerntor Stadium, which is sold out with more than 29,000 fans, FC St. Pauli are three points ahead of their first rivals and neighbors HSV, who are seven kilometers away. A victory would not only be a prestigious win for the hosts, but would also distance them from one of their fiercest rivals for the time being.
Hürzeler lost his first city duel as St. Pauli head coach in April in a wild game at HSV with a score of 3:4. It was his second defeat as manager on the sidelines of the Kiez club. After that, he never conceded a defeat in another competitive match.
Since taking over from Timo Schultz as assistant manager at the end of 2022, the team have won 13 and drawn two of their 17 games in the second half of last season. This season, FC St. Pauli are still unbeaten in 14 matches with eight wins. Hürzeler currently has no personnel worries. All players are fit apart from the long-term injured Scott Banks (cruciate ligament rupture).
In the upcoming city duel against Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga 2, Coach Hürzeler emphasizes that there's no favorite, acknowledging HSV's respect and the 50-50 nature of the game. Victory for FC St. Pauli on Friday would not only be a prestigious win but also strengthen their position in the city championship challenge.
Source: www.dpa.com
