Football Season Guide

A second season in the top-flight proved too much for St.Pauli as they finished bottom of the Bundesliga. They failed to win any of their last 10 games and scored just 29 goals in the whole campaign. It was no surprise that a change was made during the summer with the club looking to make a fresh start. Marcel Rapp has replaced Alexander Blessin at the helm and will be hoping to achieve promotion just as he did with previous club Holstein Kiel in 2024. The Kiezkicker have been relatively quiet in the transfer market so you would expect more arrivals before the window shuts. Branimir Hrgota is a quality addition from Furth and a leader in attack, however his influence is now decreasing a little at 33. Defensive signing Mathisen is proven at this level and should help to compensate for the loss of Wahl, who left for Wolfsburg. Versatile midfielder Klein is the only other new face so far and should be a healthy addition to the squad. St.Pauli have a manager with experience at this level and this should hold them in good stead. A much more positive style of play is expected after a defensive approach was adopted under the old regime. The loss of regulars Vasilj, Wahl, Sinani, and Saliakas and the unresolved futures of other important players is not ideal, and this could affect results at the beginning of the campaign.