FC St. Pauli

…the last few weeks of the coronavirus crisis: "There's been a lot of uncertainty for all of us. The situation has been very hard to judge and the virus has posed problems every day. It's been an intensive time with people doing a lot of thinking and worrying, not just about themselves, but about their families, friends and everyone else."

…the current situation and possibly the toughest challenge of his coaching career: "Two months ago we were going strong. We were playing well but then the season paused because of the coronavirus. So much has changed across the world in the last two months and everyone's hoping we can get back to normal soon. I think it's going to take a while yet, though, but I hope it won't be too long. We have to be very disciplined and keep to the rules even though they've been relaxed a little."

…preparing to face a team who are difficult to assess after such a long break: "The key thing for us is to work very hard on our plan to allow us to carry on where we left off. We respect Nürnberg and hold them in high regard, but predicting how they'll line up and what tactical formation they'll adopt isn't as easy as it was before the coronavirus crisis, so we're focusing entirely on our own game to ensure we're well prepared."

…the physical condition of his players: "We weren't able to train as a team for seven weeks and have trained in small groups for the last five. We've done a lot of work in the areas of stamina, strength and stabilisation, though, so the foundations are good and this week is now essential for finding our form and rhythm again. We still can't say where we'll be on Sunday, though."

…the short period of full training before the league restart: "From a coaching point of view I'd love to have had a bit more time but I think the players are very happy to be back in full training and able to play again. As far as the injury risk is concerned, I obviously hope we'll have enough time ahead of the first game and we'll be able to organise the training this week to put the players in a position where they can cope with the stresses and strains of Sunday and the weeks to come."

…the seven days of preparing at a hotel and possible impact on the players: "Having to go into quarantine for a week is new for all of us, of course, but we wouldn't come together until the day before a game otherwise. There's a lot of harmony and resolve within the squad, and we'll steer the mood and the atmosphere in a positive direction day by day, which will help us to have some fun and avoid any lockdown fatigue."

…the personnel situation: "Christopher Buchtmann is definitely out for the rest of the season. He's totally focused on next season and well on schedule after his operation. Christian Conteh was out for a long time and had some problems with his thigh last week that stopped him resuming full training. He's still sidelined and is working on a personalised programme. Philipp Ziereis missed a couple of days last week due to an inflamed MCL but might be able to resume training on Thursday depending on the healing process. Everyone else is available to play as things stand. As for Henk Veerman, it's looking very positive. He's no longer experiencing any problems with his shoulder and has trained in full for the last five weeks. He hasn't looked apprehensive to me in the game-related exercises. Christopher Avevor was out from early August and thus didn't train or play with the squad for nine months, so it isn't realistic for him to play on Sunday. He has to find his rhythm first so he can eventually become an option again after a difficult period."

Photos: Witters