FC St. Pauli

Fabian Hürzeler on…

...the mood in the camp and the physical freshness: "The lads were obviously disappointed, but I think we were able to turn the focus to the Fürth game very quickly. There's no point in feeling sorry for ourselves. I don't want my players doubting themselves. They have to keep their belief. We have to focus our energy on Fürth. It's another top game for us and a chance to show a positive reaction. Physically, everyone came out of the game OK, though there is a certain tiredness after 120 minutes plus penalties. We have two days left. It'll be important to gauge how the players feel and what frame of mind they're in. We'll try to field the best team against Fürth again."

...the significance of the cup defeat: "It was a bitterly disappointing defeat of the kind we haven't had this season, but after the final whistle I said very quickly that it was another opportunity and a challenge and that we had to show a reaction. I gave the players the example of Kobe Bryant. He lost more than 300 games in his career and missed 9,000 shots, often decisive ones. He said that these were precisely the moments that made him successful. We can take something from the cup defeat, too. As a team, we have to succeed in taking positive energy from it. I can lead by example and radiate positivity and optimism. That's my responsibility and I'm taking it on."

...dealing with criticism: "I have to lead by example, I expect that of myself. It's my responsibility. I'm emotional during and after matches. Emotions are simply part and parcel of the game and I won't let anyone take that away from me. I'm trying to do better and I'm convinced it's a part of my development. Criticism goes with the job. I can deal with it."

...the mental challenge of another top game within a few days: "The Fürth game is an absolute top fixture. Fürth are one of the best teams, if not the best, when you look at the current stats. My players don't need any extra motivation in that respect. It'll be important to make a good start. Fürth will press with lots of intensity and try to put us under pressure right away. We'll need to be clear and consistent in our patterns, composed on the ball and show a certain aggression and intensity off it."

...opponents Greuther Fürth: "They've made impressive progress under Alexander Zorniger. They're full of running and play with lots of intensity. They're solid at the back and the distance between the striker and the backline is very small. Initially, they placed a strong focus on their game off the ball, but now you're seeing good elements on it, too. They build from a compact defence and are very good in transition."

Photos: Witters