FC St. Pauli

"We dropped down a gear in training today because we've had some high-intensity sessions in the last few days," Lienen said. The 62-year-old has welcomed several players back to the training ground who will raise the average age of the team somewhat compared with the match at Würzburg. "In Daniel Buballa, Waldemar Sobota, Ryo Miyaichi and Aziz Bouhaddouz we have some experienced lads back in the squad," a relieved Lienen said.

On the other hand, the St. Pauli boss will still be without a number of players on Sunday. Christopher Avevor and Jeremy Dudziak are ruled out by illness, while Fafa Picault still has a little way to go before he is fully match-fit following an extended absence. Also sidelined are Jan-Philipp Kalla and Philipp Ziereis (both in rehab).

Anyone who paid attention to the training schedule this week will have noticed that the Boys in Brown trained at 1pm yesterday and today. The explanation is simple: "Obviously your biorhythm doesn't adjust straightaway, but when we simulate the matchday schedule the players get used to it in advance," Lienen explained. "When you play at 1.30pm, the preparations start very early in the morning. That's why we adjusted the training times to match the kick-off time on Sunday."

Asked about his side's position in the table, Lienen made one thing clear. "Everyone has to go to the limit so we can pick up as many points as possible before the winter break. Every single point is crucial. This is the only way we can improve our situation for the second half of the season and thus our chances of staying up. It helps that things are quiet in the club because it means we can all focus on our work. The coaching team are making sure everyone is preparing for the tasks ahead with the maximum concentration and intensity."
 
Photo: Witters