- Returning coach, shifting league, novel strategy, St. Pauli makes its comeback.
Following the triumphant 2. Bundesliga campaign and the acclaimed possession-focused football under departed promotion manager Fabian Hürzeler, Blessin is confronted with different obstacles in the Bundesliga. The Hamilton-bound FC St. Pauli needs to adapt and maintain tactical flexibility, as per Blessin's vision. "We've reflected on our past successes, but it's crucial not to dwell on them," Blessin emphasized at the start of pre-season training in July. "Our goal is to craft a new narrative, with the ultimate objective of survival in the Bundesliga."
The squad members are aligned with Blessin's alterations in strategy. "This is a fresh style of play that we're still evolving together," Hauke Wahl, the defender, remarks. "We're shifting from our old system, but at the same time, we haven't abandoned it completely." Striker Johannes Eggestein concurs, "We're still adapting to the new system, just like we did in the previous season and a half under Hürzeler's guideline. We maintain our ability to adapt during the game and opt for a fluid passing game."
Navigating Unfamiliar Territory
Yet, a new season in the top tier requires meticulous attention to detail. As Eggestein suggests, the players must internalize the system as they did the previous style under Hürzeler. "During his tenure, Hürzeler allowed a flexible, possession-based style, which helped propel us from the bottom of the table to 2. Bundesliga champions," Eggestein recalls. "His departure marked the start of a new chapter, one that we are now committed to writing."
Though Hürzeler served as a transient figure in St. Pauli's journey, his impact remains palpable. Seasoned in his ambition to compete in the Premier League, he accepted an offer from Brighton & Hove Albion to further his career.
Newcomer in the Bundesliga
Blessin, a previously unknown figure in the German top tier, was subsequently introduced as the club's new head coach by Andreas Bornemann in late June. The 51-year-old coach boasts a promising resume, having clinched the Belgian Cup last season and finishing as runners-up with Union Saint-Gilloise. Having honed his coaching skills as RB Leipzig's youth coach for eight years, Blessin brings a fresh perspective and the desire to establish his mark.
As the squad adjusted to their new leader, fan president Oke Göttlich praised Blessin's approachability and aptitude for the club's unique culture. "From our initial impressions, it's clear that Blessin has a strong connection with our club and its values," Göttlich shared. "His ability to adapt to our environment has been exceptional in such a short period."
As the team started their preseason campaign, Blessin's vision began to take shape. Eager to build upon his successful stints abroad, Blessin showcased a coherent strategy, inspiring confidence amongst his players.
However, the initial opening round of the DFB-Pokal against Hallescher FC, a 3. Liga club, presented a catastrophic setback in Blessin's favor. The Hamburg descendants found themselves struggling against the 4th division squad, forced to reignite their possession-based style.
Light at the End of the Tunnel
A late substitution of Elias Saad and Oladapo Afolayan saw a remarkable improvement in Blessin's preferred system. The dynamic duo proved crucial unveiling the door to a successful 3:2 victory. Unwavering in his commitment to his gameplan, Blessin acknowledged, "A single setback isn't enough to change the fundamentals of my system."
In essence, FC St. Pauli is embracing a shift in the wind, adapting to meet the demands of the Bundesliga while ensuring their rich history remains intact. With Blessin at the helm, the club can expect a new chapter, written in the footballing vernacular of his distinguished career.
St. Pauli's newcomers in the Bundesliga are facing the challenge of adapting to Blessin's vision, as They need to shift from their old system while maintaining tactical flexibility, as per the coach's instructions. Despite the initial struggle in the DFB-Pokal opening round against Hallescher FC, St. Pauli's players, such as Elias Saad and Oladapo Afolayan, have shown promise in implementing Blessin's preferred possession-based style.
As St. Pauli embarks on a new chapter in the Bundesliga, it's essential for the squad to internalize Blessin's new strategy, just as they did under the guidance of Hürzeler, who helped transform the team from relegation contenders to 2. Bundesliga champions.
