FC St. Pauli

...his progress as a first-team regular from the opening day: "When I arrived, I knew Philipp Ziereis and James Lawrence were really good players with more experience than me, but I said I'd fight for my place. I was a bit lucky in that James was injured at the start of the season and I took the position. When defenders play well and the results are right, it makes it difficult to change things. Everyone gives 100 per cent and it's hard for the coach to decide who to pick. I have to admit I wasn't expecting the season to go the way it has. I've always given 100 per cent and it's God's gift to me. I can be satisfied with the way the season has gone but I want to keep it up."

...the setbacks against Hannover and Union Berlin: "I didn't have a good day against Hannover and against Union I had played well until the unfortunate moment before the 2-1. I always look ahead and think about where I can improve and cut out the mistakes. I learn from every mistake and I came back stronger mentally. In my position you can have an outstanding game but any mistake you make is punished by a goal. I have to accept that. A striker, on the other hand, can be poor for 90 minutes, but if he scores, he's the hero."

...the first sell-out crowd against Bremen: "It was superb to have the ground sold out again after such a long time. I saw fans asking for tickets on my way in and realised how many people wanted to see the game. You have to enjoy it and give 100 per cent for the fans. I'm proud to be a part of this club and a part of this team and have the opportunity to feel that. It was a very special moment."

...his dream of playing in the Bundesliga: "I'm still young and haven't played in the Bundesliga yet and so it's obviously a dream of mine, but it's still a long way off for me and I'm not giving it any thought at the moment. I'm focusing solely on the rest of the season, and the team and I want to give it our best shot."

...the tight promotion race: "There are five games left and the leading teams are just a few points apart. We have to focus on ourselves and the things we can do better. We've had a good season so far and have been challenging at the top from the outset. We know we're in a good situation. We have good opponents and tough matches ahead of us, including Darmstadt, Nürnberg and Schalke, all clubs who can go up, but we're only focusing on the team we face next and that's Sandhausen."

...forthcoming opponents Sandhausen: "We know we're favourites going into games against teams at the bottom, but we're up against a good side. Sandhausen are fighting to stay up and will show that against us. They're good in transition and we have to be prepared for that. It's going to be a tough game, but as in every other game we aim to show just why we're up at the top."

Photos: Witters