Smith: “Another good performance to give the fans something back”
Thursday, 15. May 2025, 11:00 Uhr
The Boys in Brown began a new week of training on Wednesday afternoon having enjoyed two days off. Afterwards, Eric Smith took time out to speak to the media.
Eric Smith on…
…being on the verge of staying up: “It’s a good feeling. It was different last week, as we had to wait and see what Heidenheim did at Union. The pressure was on the group, but we handled it really well. I’m proud of the boys and couldn’t be happier. We deserve to be in the position we’re in.”
…the final game against Bochum: “We want to put in another good performance for the fans and give them something back for the support we’ve had from them this season. We want to get the final three points as well, so we can be satisfied with the season. Everyone on the pitch on Saturday has to have that in mind. After that we can sign off for a deserved holiday.”
…the possibility of dropping to 16th place: “I haven’t given it any thought yet. You never know what can happen, but thirteen goals is a lot. We aim to put in another good performance at the Millerntor so it doesn’t matter what happens elsewhere. We’ll go out on Saturday with the intention of winning the game.”
…the league’s second-best defence: “That’s how it should stay. It’s an important point and it feels good to know we’re doing a really good job. The defensive work by the whole team has made this season possible. We know we have room for improvement in other areas. We’ve scored the lowest number of goals, for example. If we can continue our defensive work next season and add a few more goals, we’re going to be hard to beat.”
…the final game with the current team: “It’s obviously sad when you play with some players for the last time. Marcel Hartel last year comes to mind. I played virtually every game alongside him. The final game of the season is always special and then things change for the coming season. That’s how it is in this business.”
…his summary of the season: “It’s a bit different compared with last year. We had a lot of the ball then but this season not quite as much as I would have hoped. We’ve adjusted and done that very well. Looking ahead to next season I hope we’ll have more possession again.”
…next season: “This one isn't over yet. We have one game to go and that’s all I’m focusing on and then we’ll see what happens. I’m happy here and so are my family. As long as we’re in the Bundesliga, I’m satisfied. We’ll try to do even better next year.”
…the local derbies next term: “Games against HSV are always special but it’ll be different in the Bundesliga. They’re two highlights and we’ll enjoy them. We aim to stay in front of HSV. We’ve been in front of them for a year now and that’s how it should stay.”
Photos: FC St. Pauli
