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Competition Heats Up: Saliakas and Pyrka Battle for FC St. Pauli's Right Defensive Spot
In the 2025/26 season, FC St. Pauli finds itself with a fascinating battle for the right defensive position between Manolis Saliakas and Arkadiusz Pyrka. Both players are regulars in the squad, frequently listed together in defensive lineups, suggesting a positional competition or rotation between them.
Manolis Saliakas, a midfielder by trade but often deployed defensively, has faced an unfamiliar situation due to the competition for his position. Saliakas has been battling persistent problems in the pubic bone and adductor area for weeks, which forced him to miss the entire game against Nizza. Coach Alexander Blessin plans to build Saliakas up slowly in the remaining games to ensure his full recovery.
Arkadiusz Pyrka, the new signing who joined the club in mid-May, had a difficult start due to his lack of recent play. Prior to joining St. Pauli, Pyrka was without professional game time for over five months. However, Pyrka has been able to catch up despite his initial difficulties, with his performance against Coventry suggesting that the duel between the two players could be close. Coach Blessin acknowledges that Pyrka had problems with the organization at the beginning but is pleased with his progress.
Against Coventry, Saliakas managed to get 20 minutes of playing time, while Pyrka had good scenes during the match. Pyrka's former employer, Piast Gliwice, immediately released him after he rejected their contract offer, indicating his potential as a valuable addition to St. Pauli's squad.
The duel between Saliakas and Pyrka for the position on the right side is a significant competition, strengthening FC St. Pauli's defensive options heading into Bundesliga fixtures and DFB Pokal matches. The presence of other defenders in the squad increases overall defensive rotation, but Saliakas and Pyrka are important for Alexander Blessin’s squad choices.
Saliakas's persistent injuries and Pyrka's initial difficulties have created an opportunity for both players to prove their worth and secure their place in the starting lineup. As the season progresses, fans can expect an exciting battle between these two defenders as they strive to earn their spot on the pitch for FC St. Pauli.
[1] Getty Images, 2025-08-05. [Accessed 2025-08-10]. [2] Sofascore.com, 2025. [Accessed 2025-08-10]. [3] myKhel, 2025-08-06. [Accessed 2025-08-10]. [5] myKhel, 2025-08-06. [Accessed 2025-08-10].
In the upcoming European leagues, the heated competition between Saliakas and Pyrka potentially positions FC St. Pauli as a contender in football's prestigious Champions League, given their battle for the right defensive spot. As the season unfolds, the duel between these two defenders could be a deciding factor in St. Pauli's performance across Bundesliga fixtures, DFB Pokal matches, and even continental competitions.
