FC St. Pauli

Hauke Wahl on…

...the onset of physical and mental tiredness at this stage of the season: "I don't see that at all, even though we don't have the option of making too many changes and rotating at the moment. I had three days off during the recent international break which I enjoyed very much. I'm used to playing a lot in any case because I've hardly missed a game in the last few years. I don't think it's a problem for us."

...the matchup with his former club: "It's obviously something special for me. I've played most of my games for Holstein Kiel. I follow the club very closely even though I don't watch every game. This is no normal game for me. I was really happy when Kiel went up with us this summer."

...the first favourites tag this season: "I'm not giving it any thought. I don't see us as favourites either, it'll be an even contest. Both teams have come up and last year we were only one or two points apart."

Hauke Wahl under challenge from Kiel’s Benedikt Pichler during the 5-1 home win in September 2023.

...the two wins against Kiel last term (5-1 at home, 4-3 away): "It's a very different constellation now. Both teams were used to winning last year and played with a completely different perception of themselves. It hasn't disappeared, but there's less of it, which is normal. That doesn't mean there won't be as many goals, but I'd be happy if we didn't concede so many. Shipping four in the two games was too many."

...the failure to score at home so far: "It isn't much of a consideration for us, though we do want to hear the goal music again, of course, because it's a lot of fun. The most important thing is being able to stand in front of the South Stand and celebrate a home win."

...the special significance of the game and potential pressure: "I don't see any special significance. In the end it's about another three points. Taking the points is always important, of course. In general the expectations are different compared with previous games. It's the same for both teams. Both we and Holstein Kiel are expected to win the game. We obviously want to celebrate our first win at home."

...the circumstance of playing on a Friday night under the lights and the funfair next door: "It does a lot for me. I think the atmosphere will be electric because the fans are simply up for it. The whole ground will be urging us on to our first home win. Our good home form was what made us strong last year. Standing in front of the fans celebrating after a home game was so much fun. I'm really looking forward to the game and I think people can expect a lot from it."

Photos: FC St. Pauli/Witters