FC St. Pauli

There was a lot to talk about in the St. Pauli camp after Saturday's home reverse against FC Ingolstadt. The four goals shipped following individual errors have naturally put a dent in the players' self-belief. Head coach Olaf Janßen is confident his team will show a reaction at Kiel, however: "It's clear to everyone that conceding four 'own goals' against a top side will make a nonsense of any formation or tactical concept," he said. "We gave our opponents an open invitation to score, but that's how it is, that's football. Every team goes through these ups and downs. Last week Duisburg win at league leaders Bielefeld and then they lose 6-1 against Nürnberg. Aue win at Ingolstadt and then go down 3-0 against Kiel. We mustn't let our heads drop. We have to show our true face now and perform the way we are capable of."

Janßen went on to thank the fans and pay them a "huge compliment". "The fantastic atmosphere at the Millerntor helps to lift the players as well," he said. "I've never experienced a game like it, especially the way the fans responded. And that does the team no end of good. When there are no whistles after a 45-minute performance to be ashamed of, and instead the chant "away win" rings round the ground, it's a massive help. We'll try to give something back on Tuesday evening."

Turning to the game against surprise league leaders Kiel, Janßen highlighted the qualities that have set the newly promoted side apart all season: "Not only are they riding a wave of euphoria and playing with huge application and desire, they also have lots of quality and a superb vertical and transitional game. Not without reason have they already scored 15 goals"

One player to thrust himself into the spotlight this term is none other than an old acquaintance. Marvin Ducksch, who joined Kiel on loan from St. Pauli in January until the end of this season, is really flying and leads the goalscoring chart with five goals in six matches. Janßen had positive things to say about him, too: "He's exceptionally technically gifted and clinical in front of goal. That's nothing new. The problem he had with us was that he went from one injury to another and was never able to bring his physical capabilities to the pitch. His goals helped Kiel to promotion last season and he's continued where he left off. We're delighted for him."

The atmosphere will again be a decisive factor for the success of the Boys in Brown on Tuesday. We are in for a fiercely contested north German derby at the Holstein Stadium. "But let's not lose sight of the most important thing," said Janßen. "Not only do I want to be proud of my players after the game, I want to be proud of our fans. The atmosphere will crackle and the players will get stuck in. Derbies like these have everything that makes football so attractive and exciting. But equally I expect respect for whoever comes out smiling at the end."

Photos: Witters