FC St. Pauli

The main talking point to begin with was Aziz Bouhaddouz. Lienen confirmed that the striker had hooked up with the Morocco squad on Monday evening and looks set to represent his country at the Africa Cup of Nations. It is not yet clear how long the 29-year-old will be away.

There was pleasing news on the injury front. "Philipp Ziereis, Jan-Philipp Kalla and Jeremy Dudziak have recovered from their injuries and are fit," said Lienen. "We've taken Ziereis out for now – but only because he's had a cold since the weekend." The 63-year-old also had good tidings regarding midfielder Christopher Buchtmann. "He's making good progress and will continue working with the rehab coaches over the next few days," he said. The situation is roughly the same with goalkeeper Robin Himmelmann, who Lienen expects to be back at full fitness during the training camp in Spain. The only players who still needs a bit of time before he can resume full training is Marvin Ducksch, who suffered a muscle strain before the winter break.

In other news, Fafa Picault has been given permission in agreement with his agent to extend his holiday by ten days to give him time to look for another club. "I think it's best for both sides if he finds another club," said Lienen.

The St. Pauli boss was full of praise for his players as far as their fitness is concerned: "The lads presented themselves well and I'm confident we're in better physical shape now," he said. "They made very good use of the short break. Some of the sessions in the next few days will be all about fitness, of course, but we'll obviously focus on tactical and footballing aspects as well."

In Lennart Thy the Boys in Brown were able to welcome a new addition to their ranks. "We're a bit short up front and Lenny will definitely help us here, though we'll have to wait and see how we end up playing," said Lienen about the loan signing from Werder Bremen. "The aim is to have the team prepared as well as possible when the season resumes," he added.

Turning to the opening fixtures of the second half of the season at home to VfB Stuttgart and away at Eintracht Braunschweig, Lienen said: "I can't say whether it's an advantage or a disadvantage for us to resume against two top teams. At the end of the day it's about us performing well and going into the games having had the best possible preparation. That's what matters."

Photo: Witters