"Eric Smith potentially taking up the role of captain"
Eric Smith has taken the helm as captain of FC St. Pauli for the 2025/26 season, with the team making the decision early in August that Jackson Irvine would be the initial captain, and Smith as vice-captain. However, recent updates suggest that Smith has assumed or retained the main captaincy role [3][5].
Smith's leadership style is centred around fostering strong relationships within the team and emphasising the importance of responsibility among experienced players helping new teammates integrate effectively. He is optimistic about the team's progress but recognises that there is still work to be done to compete well in the Bundesliga. Smith emphasises the need to focus on small improvements and maintain a long-term perspective throughout the season [1].
The team's recent friendly match against Hellas Verona ended in a 1-0 victory. Coach Alexander Blessin viewed their preparation positively but with cautious realism, noting good performances alongside areas requiring improvement, particularly in capitalising on chances and possession play. The team is working hard during pre-season, integrating new players, and building cohesion to be ready for competitive matches such as the upcoming DFB Cup tie [4].
Karol Mets, a key player in the B-team, has been making good progress under Blessin's guidance. The coach has praised Mets for pushing the other players in the B-team [2]. Meanwhile, Jackson Irvine, who has been out for a few weeks, is making good progress in his recovery.
Off the field, FC St. Pauli has already shown success in maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere, keeping morale high and ensuring the team doesn't take themselves too seriously. As the season unfolds, the team remains optimistic yet realistic about their capabilities and is focused on continuous improvement [1][3][4][5].
Eric Smith's new role as captain of FC St. Pauli in the upcoming European-leagues season, particularly the premier-league, will be pivotal due to his focus on sports leadership and fostering team cohesion. Smith's approach to football emphasizes the importance of strong relationships and shared responsibility, which could serve the team well in high-pressure situations like Bundesliga matches.
