Hürzeler ahead of cup: St. Pauli "changed in character"

Bundesliga 2 - Hürzeler ahead of cup: St. Pauli "changed in character"

FC St. Pauli will also be looking to improve their image in the DFB Cup in the round of 16 match at regional league club FC 08 Homburg. "If you look at our past, I wouldn't say that St. Pauli is an outstanding cup team. But I think we've also changed in character," said coach Fabian Hürzeler ahead of the game on Tuesday (8.45pm/Sky).

"This is another chance for us to prove that," said the coach of the second-division side, referring to their promising chances of reaching the quarter-finals. The last time they got this far was in the 2021/22 season. The last time there was a surprise was in 2006, when St. Pauli made it to the semi-finals before falling to FC Bayern Munich.

But ahead of the eight remaining teams, the brave Homburgers await, having knocked Bundesliga side Darmstadt 98 and St. Pauli's second division rivals Greuther Fürth out of the cup so far this season. "We're expecting an opponent who is in extremely good form," said Hürzeler about the leaders of the Regionalliga Südwest.

"It's a team that can switch gears extremely well," he added. "They run for each other, they fight for each other. They have really good body language. They support each other - if one player is outplayed, the next one is there straight away and they make the spaces extremely tight."

After the 2:2 in the city derby against Hamburger SV, all the regular players are fit. Only striker Simon Zoller is out with muscular problems. The 34-year-old substitute goalkeeper Sascha Burchert could stand in goal.

Squad FC St. Pauli Match schedule FC St. Pauli Information about the match Cup history FC St. Pauli Press conference FC St. Pauli

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1. Despite St. Pauli's history in the DFB Cup not being particularly impressive, Fabian Hürzeler believes they've transformed their character.
2. Coaching St. Pauli in the Bundesliga 2, Hürzeler sees Tuesday's DFB Cup round of 16 match against FC 08 Homburg as an opportunity to improve their cup reputation.
3. The regional league club FC 08 Homburg, having eliminated Bundesliga side Darmstadt 98 and St. Pauli's second division rival Greuther Fürth in the cup this season, awaits St. Pauli with excellent form.
4. Fabian Hürzeler praises Homburg for their adaptability and team spirit, mentioning their ability to cover for each other and create tight spaces.
5. After the city derby against Hamburger SV, all regular St. Pauli players are available, with only striker Simon Zoller out due to muscular problems, potentially allowing substitute goalkeeper Sascha Burchert to take his place.
6. In Germany, the DFB Cup provides another chance for second-division teams like FC St. Pauli and their fans to enjoy the excitement of a deep cup run, like the semi-final appearance in 2006.

Source: www.stern.de