St. Pauli's City Derby Afterglow: Coach Hürzeler Looks to Cup Redemption
As Fabian Hürzeler prepares to lead FC St. Pauli in their DFB Cup round of 16 match against regional league club FC 08 Homburg, the 2. Bundesliga coach admits a mixed history in the competition but remains optimistic about their chances of making a change.
“If you look back at our past, I wouldn't categorize St. Pauli as an exceptional cup team. But I believe we've evolved and transformed,” Hürzeler shared ahead of Tuesday's encounter (8:45pm/Sky).
The heroics of FC 08 Homburg should not be underestimated, having already ousted Bundesliga side Darmstadt 98 and Greuther Fürth this season. This formidable opponent, leaders of the Regionalliga Südwest, await the second-division side who last reached the quarter-finals in 2021-22.
In 2006, St. Pauli made a splash by advancing to the DFB Cup semi-finals, only to fall to FC Bayern Munich. "We are expecting an opponent in outstanding form," Hürzeler said of the Homburgers' impressive cup run.
Praising their adaptability and unity, Hürzeler highlights the club's strong team spirit, expressing admiration for their quick transitions and tight-knit playing style. "They cover for each other incredibly well, switch gears seamlessly, and support one another ferociously."
Following the 2-2 result in the city derby against Hamburger SV, St. Pauli's squad is healthy and ready for action. Injured striker Simon Zoller remains sidelined with muscular problems, but 34-year-old substitute goalkeeper Sascha Burchert may step up to fill the gap.
St. Pauli's track record may not be spectacular in the DFB Cup, but each deep cup run provides a magical experience for the club's devoted fanbase. Hürzeler and his side will hope to leave their mark in this season's competition, leveraging their improved character and mentality.
Additional Insight
In the heat of the cup competition, St. Pauli's journey is a tribute to their spirit and beloved fanbase's unwavering support. Notable seasons include their 2005-06 performance in which they outplayed Burghausen, VfL Bochum, Hertha BSC, and Werder Bremen before falling to Bayern Munich in the semi-finals.
Historically, St. Pauli has struggled within the DFB-Pokal. For example, during the 2024-25 season, they exited the competition in the Group Stage, prevented from advancing to the knockout rounds by RB Leipzig.
The upcoming match against 08 Homburg cannot be predicted without analyzing both teams' current forms and dynamics. It is advised to refer to recent news articles or the official club website to gain the latest insights on coach Fabian Hürzeler's views and St. Pauli's current performance.
