St. Pauli head coach Alexander Blessin couldn’t hide his satisfaction after watching his team enjoy a remarkable start to the season. Their historic win over city rivals Hamburger SV (HSV) not only secured crucial points but also injected a huge dose of confidence into the squad.
In an exclusive interview, Blessin shared his insights on the team’s progress — from the transformation of their attacking line and improved mentality, to the electric atmosphere during the fiery Hamburg Derby. He also firmly dismissed the so-called “second-season curse” that often haunts newly promoted teams, while delivering great news about the return of his captain.
Impressive Start: Holding Dortmund, Beating HSV
Blessin pointed to the draw against Borussia Dortmund and the emphatic victory over HSV as early signs of growth. Still, he reminded his players to stay grounded and avoid getting carried away by euphoria.
“It’s a good start, but nothing more. Whether we win or lose, our approach remains the same: stay calm and trust the process,” Blessin emphasized.
This consistency has become St. Pauli’s trademark, enabling them to play with intensity without crumbling under pressure.
No Fear of the Second-Season Curse
Many believe in the “second-season curse” that troubles promoted sides, but Blessin refuses to buy into such narratives.
“Honestly, I don’t care what people say about the second year. What matters is what we do on the pitch. Compared to last season, we needed more pace, and now we’ve added it. That makes us more versatile with and without the ball,” the coach explained.
With added speed in attack, St. Pauli have become sharper, more dynamic, and far less predictable for their opponents.
Blessin’s Philosophy: Cool Heads, Burning Hearts
The Hamburg Derby is known as one of the most intense rivalries in Germany. Blessin likened the atmosphere to the Genoa Derby he once experienced in Italy.
Facing such an emotionally charged match, his message to the players was simple yet powerful: find the balance between passion and composure.
“It’s important to play with a cool head but a hot heart. Emotion is crucial, but you can’t let it go beyond the limit, or things won’t go in your favor,” Blessin explained.
This philosophy proved decisive, as St. Pauli managed to combine discipline with fighting spirit to overcome their biggest rivals.
Captain Jackson Irvine Returns
Amid the derby celebrations, St. Pauli also received a huge boost with the return of captain Jackson Irvine. The midfielder had been sidelined for a lengthy spell due to injury but is now back in full training.
“Having Irvine back is massive. He brings quality, leadership, and a winning mentality — exactly what we need,” Blessin said with relief.
His comeback not only strengthens the squad but also lifts the team’s morale as they aim to build on their strong start.
St. Pauli’s impressive early-season form is no accident. Behind it lies Alexander Blessin’s philosophy of balance: staying calm under pressure, sharpening the squad with pace, and playing with heart.
With a derby win in the bag and their captain returning, the positive momentum inside the club is undeniable. If they can maintain this consistency, St. Pauli may well emerge as one of the Bundesliga’s biggest surprises this season.
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