FC St. Pauli

Timo Schultz on...

...the personnel situation and new acquisition Marcel Hartel: "The squad will resemble those of recent matches, and we have an additional option in Marcel Hartel. He came through the whole of pre-season with Bielefeld, played lots of games and essentially is fully fit. I'll await the next two training sessions and have a chat with him."

...the availability of expecting parents Maximilian Dittgen and Leart Paqarada: "We've done very well as far as the timing of births is concerned but we'll see what the next two days bring. I hope it stays that way. In case of doubt, I'll allow and encourage the players to be with their wives and not on the pitch chasing a ball around."

...the recent impressive derby record with three wins and one draw: "The 2-2 draw at the Volkspark and especially the win at home were nice, for sure, but we get nothing for them now unfortunately. We're starting from scratch, and there have been changes to both squads as well. It's a new season and we start at 0-0. Having said that, we remember the feelings we had after the win very well. We'll give it all we've got to experience that again."

...the rivalry between the clubs: "It's a cross-city derby and there's a big rivalry between the clubs. The city is big enough for both clubs, though, they can exist well enough side by side. The two clubs are very different and that's good. We want to live out the sporting rivalry on the pitch on Friday evening and I hope we'll have a fitting atmosphere without things going over the top."

...our local rivals and their style of play: "In Tim Walter they have a new coach with an attacking approach. It's hard to make out their formation, especially when they're in possession, because a lot of their players change position all the time. We have to be ready for a permanent play and go. We're focusing on the things we can influence. On ourselves, the way we play football, and our system. That's served us well so far and brought us success recently. We see our chance whenever we win the ball, in particular, but we want to do something with it ourselves as well."

...the excitement ahead of the game: "When you walk around Hamburg, you're approached by both sets of fans, and it's the only thing you talk about in private as well. It's a special game, that tingling feeling is there and it's sure to intensify the closer we get to Friday evening. It's the reason we started playing football at age four or five, to be able to run out on a big ground one day and play in a game like this one. The players have to realise it's a privilege not an obligation. It's going to be a tough game, HSV are going well. I'm expecting an attractive game between two sides who want to get forward."

...the atmosphere: "We're delighted to be able to welcome fans for a derby at the Millerntor again. The atmosphere against Kiel was outstanding and I expect our fans will take it to another level."

Photos: Witters