FC St. Pauli

Lienen began as usual with a look at the injury situation. "We're a bit more depleted than we have been," he said. In addition to the injured Jeremy Dudziak, Christopher Buchtmann and Cenk Sahin will miss the trip to Bochum due to suspension. A question mark also hangs over the availability of Waldemar Sobota and Mats Møller Dæhli, both of whom are carrying knocks and have been unable to train with the rest of the squad this week. "We'll have to wait and see if we can the two of them fit by Sunday," said Lienen.

The younger members of the senior squad who have been turning out regularly for the Under-23s in the Regionalliga Nord this season will be joined by Kyoungrok Choi this weekend. "He'll support the Under-23s at Hildesheim," explained Lienen. His side have already beaten off relegation, a feat the Under-23s are looking to match. Richard Neudecker, who was a doubt, will probably be fit in time. "He could only play 30 minutes of the last Under-23 game," said Lienen, "but it looks as if he'll be available for Hildesheim."

Returning to Bundesliga 2, the Boys in Brown will have the backing of around 4,500 fans at VfL Bochum. "An incredible number," said Lienen. "That alone is reason enough for us to push ourselves to the limit once again", added the St. Pauli boss, who knows how difficult the task is. "Bochum's record at home, where they've only lost once, is outstanding." Bochum have lost just four times since the winter break, winning five matches and drawing seven. "Their form has been stable and they haven't conceded many goals," said Lienen. "Nevertheless, we'll approach the game with commitment and passion – we want to go into the summer break on a positive note."

Regardless of how the game ends, the result itself will have no significance for next season. "What's important is the momentum we've built up in the second half of the season," said Lienen. "We saw that two years ago when we carried the passion with which we fought off relegation into the new season with us and had a good campaign. Next year will be all about making sure we don't find ourselves in a similar situation to this season."

Lienen will be without Sören Gonther in that quest after the St. Pauli skipper turned down the offer of a new contract and opted to join rivals Dynamo Dresden. "Sören has been top-class in my time here," he said. "With his personality, experience and leadership ability, he was a key factor not only in the first successful battle against relegation but also again this time. For him it was about the long-term perspective. We have a number of players who can play in that position. It's a strategic decision that the club has taken."

Photo: Witters