FC St. Pauli

...the reasons for the outstanding second half of the season: "We have a new head coach, new tactics, a new shape and a new philosophy, all of which has led to us doing so well. We’ve done it together."

...his impressions before and after joining the club in the winter break: "I have to admit that the impression I had before I came didn't match what I saw afterwards. We've played really well since I arrived. I was a bit surprised that there was such a big discrepancy between the performances and the results and the team were so far down the table."

...his strong performances in the second half of the season: "It's never about one player, it's a team game. It's about what the coach needs and what he demands. I think the coaching team have done a really good job. The players fit our system very well and that's why we're doing so well."

...head coach Fabian Hürzeler: "He knows exactly what the team need. His game plans suit the players very well. He's chosen the right tactics and approaches so far. We have a clear picture of our opponents and we know exactly what we want to do and the areas of the pitch we want to be in."

...his 30th birthday next week: "I have no wishes. I just want to stay fit and healthy."

Karol Mets (centre) and his teammates have had lots of reasons to be happy in the second half of the season. Another three points will hopefully follow against Düsseldorf.

...the experience he has gained playing for different clubs in lots of countries: "Every experience has brought me something new and every culture I've got to know has helped me grow as a player and as a person. The intensity and physicality here are higher than anywhere else I've played. I'm glad I played for clubs in some comparable leagues. It allowed me to adjust to the kind of level I would face here."

...the visit of Düsseldorf: "Düsseldorf have been in the top five almost the entire season. They're a good and stable team. It's going to be tough. I haven't experienced an evening kick-off at the Millerntor yet. The floodlights, the fans - it could be a very special evening. I hope the fans will help us win the game."

...the motivation to move within a point of HSV: "It's definitely there because we're not far behind. We have to push ourselves to the limit to be at our best."

...contract negotiations and the role played by his partner: "The talks have been positive. I get the feeling it could work. I'd like to stay and so would my girlfriend. It's her decision, too, because she has to feel comfortable. She enjoys being here and feels very much at home in Hamburg. She supports me and I'm very grateful for that."

...being the only starting XI outfield player not to score in the second half of the season: "It's a wish of mine to score for St. Pauli. I really want to and I hope I can."

Photos: Witters